Berlusconi on trial for false tax declaration
Source: Agencies |
March 1, 2011, Tuesday
|
Print Edition
Print Edition
ITALIAN Premier Silvio Berlusconi went back on trial yesterday for alleged tax fraud, the first of several court cases to resume after Italy's Constitutional Court watered down an immunity bill sparing the premier from trial.
Prosecutors say Berlusconi's Mediaset media empire purchased TV rights for United States movies through two offshore companies and falsely declared the costs to reduce its tax bill.
Berlusconi, who wasn't in court yesterday, has denied the allegations.
The case was immediately adjourned until April 11, when Berlusconi may appear, lawyers said.
Berlusconi referred to his legal woes during an address in Milan to a meeting of business leaders, saying he no longer uses a cell phone because his conversations have been intercepted so often.
"I've gone back in time, hoping not to be overheard," Berlusconi said.
Italian newspapers have been filled with transcripts of prosecutor-ordered wiretaps of phone conversations among girls who attended parties at Berlusconi's villas. The women are purportedly heard describing sex-fueled parties, as well as receiving gifts and money.
Berlusconi's conversations are not featured in the printed transcripts.
Prosecutors say Berlusconi's Mediaset media empire purchased TV rights for United States movies through two offshore companies and falsely declared the costs to reduce its tax bill.
Berlusconi, who wasn't in court yesterday, has denied the allegations.
The case was immediately adjourned until April 11, when Berlusconi may appear, lawyers said.
Berlusconi referred to his legal woes during an address in Milan to a meeting of business leaders, saying he no longer uses a cell phone because his conversations have been intercepted so often.
"I've gone back in time, hoping not to be overheard," Berlusconi said.
Italian newspapers have been filled with transcripts of prosecutor-ordered wiretaps of phone conversations among girls who attended parties at Berlusconi's villas. The women are purportedly heard describing sex-fueled parties, as well as receiving gifts and money.
Berlusconi's conversations are not featured in the printed transcripts.
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