Berlusconi wins ban on New Year party photos

Italy's Prime Minister, Silvio Berlusconi, has succeeded in blocking publication of photos of his New Year's Eve party after reports said guests included a teenage girl whose relationship with him has caused a scandal.

Judicial sources said Mr Berlusconi, 72, who denies having an affair with 18-year-old Noemi Letizia, claimed publication of the images, taken without his permission, would violate his right to privacy. A prosecutor in Rome granted the injunction and ordered the seizure of hundreds of photos taken by Antonello Zappadu from outside Mr Berlusconi's villa on Sardinia.

Newspapers have reported that dozens of young women attended the party thrown by the media billionaire-turned-politician, receiving thousands of euros in expenses. Mr Berlusconi's personal life has been under scrutiny since he was photographed attending Ms Letizia's 18th birthday party in Naples last month. He says he has known the family for years.