Milan prosecutors seek immediate trial for Berlusconi

LONDON - Prosecutors in Milan today will formally ask that Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi stand trial immediately in connection with an investigation of his relations with an underage girl.

“We’ll have a final meeting today on the procedural aspects and tomorrow we will forward the request to the judge,” the Daily Mail quoted chief prosecutor Edmondo Bruti Liberati as saying.

Prosecutors allege Berlusconi paid for sex with Moroccan belly dancer Karima El Mahroug and later exerted improper pressure on police to have her released when she was detained on separate theft charges.

Karima el Mahroug -nicknamed Ruby Rubacuori (Ruby The Heartstealer) was a guest at a party he hosted at his home last year. She was 17 at the top.

It is claimed that Berlusconi had sex with her sometime between February and May last year, a charge that carries a jail term of between six months and three years. (ANI)