28/03/2011 10:48
Italy PM Silvio Berlusconi expected at corruption trial
Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi is due to appear in court to face trial over corruption charges, BBC reports.
Mr. Berlusconi, who is a defendant in a total of four trials, says he will attend as many hearings as possible in order to prove his innocence.
The trial starting on Monday concerns one of Mr. Berlusconi's media companies.
Although a series of sex and corruption scandals have taken their toll on his popularity, there's no immediate threat to his position as prime minister.
In the case being heard on Monday, the prime minister, his son and a number of others are accused of inflating the price paid to buy television rights, and then skimming off the difference to fund political and other activities.
Mr. Berlusconi denies the charges.