Date set for Berlusconi tax trial
The tax fraud trial of Italian Premier Silvio Berlusconi reopened today after a year but was immediately adjourned to January.
The premier was at a global food summit in Rome and did not attend the hearing in Milan.
His lawyers said Mr Berlusconi was unavailable for the trial due to his engagements as premier until January 18.
Judge Edoardo D'Avossa ruled that there will be two technical hearings before that date - one later this month, the other in December. But he said that trial will start in earnest on January 18.
Mr Berlusconi is accused of tax fraud involving his broadcaster Mediaset's purchase of TV rights. He denies the charge saying he is the victim of politically motivated magistrates.
The trial had not been possible because of an immunity law shielding Mr Berlusconi from prosecution while in office. But a top Italian court overturned the legislation last month, on grounds it was unconstitutional, paving the way for the trial to restart.
There are another 11 defendants in the case, including Mediaset officials and British lawyer David Mills, estranged husband of Olympics Minister Tessa Jowell. Mills has been convicted in a separate corruption case also involving Mr Berlusconi.
After January 18, the trial will take place every Monday. If Mr Berlusconi has institutional engagements, the hearings will take place on a Saturday, the judge ruled.
Mr Berlusconi's lawyer, Niccolo Ghedini, said the trial would take about two years. A statute of limitations becomes effective in 2013.
Another trial where Mr Berlusconi figures as a defendant is scheduled to resume on November 27.
