06/04/2011 11:26
Silvio Berlusconi trial starts today
Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi's trial on charges of sex with an underage nightclub dancer and abuse of power opens in Milan on Wednesday.
Berlusconi himself will not be attending the preliminary hearing, a member of his defense team told AFP on condition of anonymity.
The twice-divorced 74-year-old has made no secret of his love for beautiful young women but vehemently denies having sex last year with then 17-year-old nightclub dancer Karima El Mahroug - better known as "Ruby the Heart Stealer".
Mahroug, who has also denied having sex with Berlusconi, is not expected to attend Wednesday's hearing.
On the eve of the hearing, Berlusconi's coalition in parliament approved a motion that challenges the prerogative of the court in Milan to try the prime minister indicating the case should be heard by a special court for ministers.