Berlusconi 'too ill' to face sex-for-hire trial
An attempt by Silvio Berlusconi to postpone his sex-for-hire trial on medical grounds has been challenged by prosecutors.
They want court-appointed doctors to certify that the former premier’s condition is severe enough to warrant a delay.
Berlusconi’s lawyers presented three medical certificates to support the request.
Berlusconi has been hospitalised since Friday with an eye inflammation. His lawyers said he also was suffering heart problems.
Judges in Berlusconi’s tax fraud appeal continued with Saturday’s hearing after court-appointed doctors said his ailments were not severe enough to keep him from court.
The judicial jockeying comes at a politically sensitive time for Italy, as it seeks to form a stable government following February’s inconclusive national elections.
Talks on forming a new government are to begin on March 20. Berlusconi’s centre-right coalition finished second.
Verdicts in both cases are expected soon.
