Postcard from Rome

Fresh developments ... Berlusconi's "heavenly victory" ... Prosecuting magistrates in peril as politicians invade the patch ... Uproar in parliament as vote passes on its way to the Senate ... Referendum looms ... Silvana Olivetti with the latest 

Both Donald Trump and Silvio Berlusconi were described – or self-described - this week as being subjected to judicial persecution without precedent. 

On Saturday Trump used his Presidential power to direct his Attorney General and the Justice Department to prosecute his political enemies. 

On Friday the Italian Parliament took steps to enable the executive branch of government to direct prosecutors as to their policies and priorities, and to abolish the Constitutional independence of Italian magistrates. 

In disruptive scenes, not witnessed for more than a year in the Italian parliament, emotions flared on the chamber floor and fists flew when legislation to reduce the independence of prosecutors passed by 243 votes to 109. 

Berlusconi's girlfriend at the time of his death in 2023, Marta Fascina, herself still a member of the Parliament, issued a statement saying that the legislation bore the signature of Berlusconi. 

She added that "from heaven" (he died in 2023) Berlusconi continues to fight and win against judicial persecution.

Berlusconi with Fascina - taking the cake 

The legislation now goes to the Italian Senate and then to what will probably be a rancorous national referendum.

From Silvana