SILVIO Berlusconi (77), one of Italy's richest men,
may soon be scrubbing lavatories, working with drug addicts or helping
the homeless, after opting to serve his sentence for tax fraud doing
community service. Franco Coppi, Berlusconi's lawyer, said the former prime minister would choose community service, rather than serve house arrest, after the High Court upheld his one-year sentence in August.
Berlusconi, inset, has been besieged by requests from social welfare services, including City Angels and Exodus, which support the homeless and drug addicts. He also received invitations from animal rights groups, hospitals, and a home for the elderly.
"I really want to have him with my guys, not out of malice, but to work for his redemption," said Fr Antonio Mazzi (84), who founded Exodus.
Mr Berlusconi faces a Senate vote to expel him from parliament, after being found guilty of tax avoidance. He is also appealing a jail term for paying for sex with an underage prostitute.