Europe News

Berlusconi sex trial to resume

Nov 23, 2011, 8:32 GMT

Rome - Former Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi's so-called 'Ruby sex trial' was set to resume Wednesday with a hearing in Milan.

It was not immediately clear whether Berlusconi, who on November 12 resigned as premier, would attend proceedings.

Prosecutors accuse the 75-year-old Berlusconi of paying the go-go dancer, Karima el Mahroug - also known as 'Ruby, Stealer of Hearts' - for sex when she was under 18.

Berlusconi is also charged with abusing his position as premier to cover up his liaison with Ruby. He denies any wrongdoing.

In a separate but related trial, a magistrate on Monday recognized the right of some 30 women to sue for damages against three people accused of procuring prostitutes on behalf of Berlusconi.

The women, including Ruby, were allegedly lured to the former premier's villa in Arcore, near Milan, by the three defendants in the trial - regional politician Nicole Minetti, news anchor Emilio Fede and talent agent, Lele Mora. The three deny any wrongdoing.