Berlusconi to face trial on conspiracy and child prostitution

The judge for preliminary investigations said there is “hard evidence” for the Italian Prime Minister to go “on trial for two offences.”

The Italian judge said there is enough for Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi to strand trial immediately. Judge Cristina Di Censo said there is enough evidence to indict Berlusconi who is accused of conspiracy crimes and child prostitution related to the Ruby case.

The Judge also set the date of the hearing which will be held before the Fourth Criminal Chamber on 6 April at 9.30 am. Berlusconi will be judged by a panel  of three women.

If the Italian PM replies within 15 days and accepts a fast track trial, Berlusconi will be entitled to sentence reduction, as by Italian law.

The prosecutors are accusing Berlusconi of paying for sex with a nightclub dancer when she was under 18, which is illegal in Italy. Berlusconi is also accused of abusing the powers of his office by pressuring police to have her released from custody over theft allegations.