Former Italian PM Berlusconi found guilty of bribery July 8, 2015 - 23:29 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi has been found guilty of bribing a senator in 2006 in an attempt to bring down the then center-left government, BBC News reports. A Naples court sentenced Berlusconi to three years in jail and banned him from holding public office for five years. The four-time Prime Minister denied the charges. He will not have to serve his sentence because a statute of limitations comes into effect later this year, before any appeal can be held. The billionaire was accused of giving 3mln euros ($4mln) in 2006 to Sergio De Gregorio, then a senator from the anti-corruption Italy of Values party, to switch to Berlusconi's People of Freedom party and thus undermine the government of the time. The trial was held in Naples as it was the seat occupied by De Gregorio. Italy's former PM is appealing against a prison sentence for having sex with an under-age prostitute and abuse of office, and another for leaking a confidential police wiretap. He was also found guilty of tax fraud last year - his first definitive conviction.  Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads.   Partner news |  Latest news Cyprus parliament honors Armenian genocide victims  Acting House President Zacharias Koulias noted that April 24 marks the “black anniversary” of the Armenian genocide.Armenia PM, France envoy discuss regional matters Issues related to the consistent development of Armenia-France cooperation were discussed.Azerbaijan razes historic Armenian church to ground Azerbaijan has demolished the historic Armenian Church of St. John the Baptist (known as Kanach Zham).Russia to begin assessing migrant workers' speaking skills Rosobrnadzor is planning to change the Russian language exam for migrant workers and include an assessment of speaking skills |
