Sex Charges Trail against Italian PM Berlusconi Begins in April

Silvio Berlusconi, Italy's PM, will face trial on sex and abuse of power charges. Photo by EPA/BGNES

Italian PM Silvio Berlusconi has been indicted to face trial on sex with an underage girl and abuse of power charges.

Judge Cristina Di Censo said Tuesday that the process is scheduled to start April 6, after prosecutors in Milan asked for an immediate trial, the BBC reported.

Berlusconi has denied both charges. He denied paying for having sex with Karima El Mahroug, a Moroccan nightclub dancer known by her stage name "Ruby", when she was 17.

The prime minister has also rejected claims that he abused his power by calling a Milan police station for the release of Ruby, when she was detained in another case.

However, Berlusconi has acknowledged that he asked the police to release her when she was detained on suspicion of theft.

El Mahroug has also denied the accusations. She said she did not know the Italian prime minister very well but that she received a gift of EUR 7000 from him the first time they met, on February 14, 2010, because a friend had told Berlusconi that she needed help.

However, Ruby's former roommate has stated that the girl confined to her about having sex with the prime minister.

The investigation on the case began December 2010. At the end of January, another 17-year-old girl, known to the police as a prostitute, was named at participating in the alleged sex parties, organized by Berlusconi.

According to the Italian legislation, using the services of prostitutes is not a crime, but paying an underage girl for sex is offense.

We need your support so Novinite.com can keep delivering news and information about Bulgaria! Thank you!