Berlusconi to face tax fraud charge
Italian Premier Silvio Berlusconi is due to make a rare court appearance to defend himself against a tax fraud charge.
He denies the charge, and has said he will appear at the Milan tribunal as frequently as duties allow to contest four active cases against him.
Supporters erected a stage festooned with blue balloons reading: “Silvio, resist!” outside the courthouse this morning.
Mr Berlusconi turned up for a closed-door preliminary hearing last month in another alleged tax fraud case also involving the purchase of TV rights to broadcast American films on his private network.
But he missed the opening last week of his trial for allegedly paying for sex with an under-age prostitute and using his influence to cover it up.
