Berlusconi graft trial proceeds, judicial bias claims dismissed February 22, 2012 - 18:34 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - An Italian appeals court on Wednesday, February 21 cleared the way for a corruption trial of Silvio Berlusconi to proceed after dismissing the former premier's claims of judicial bias, the ANSA news agency reported. Berlusconi had argued that the judge in the case - which revolves around allegations that the former prime minister bribed British business lawyer David Mills - was determined to find him guilty. He is accused of paying 600,000 dollars to Mills in exchange for lying in a separate trial involving Berlusconi's media business empire and dating back to the 1990s. Mills was convicted in absentia in a separate trial in February 2009 of receiving the bribe but was later acquitted by Italy's top appeals court. Prosecutors have demanded a five-year prison sentence for Berlusconi. The 75-year-old media mogul, who resigned in November after serving three non-consecutive terms as premier, denies any wrongdoing. A verdict could be reached as soon as Saturday, according to reports. The trial is one of several Berlusconi is facing. In another, he is accused of paying an underage prostitute for sex and abusing his position to cover up the liaison, M&C reported citing DPA.   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 The Power of One Dram to benefit Road of Life charity  The companies inform that the May beneficiary of The Power of One Dram is the “Road of Life” charitable organization.Ucom General Director gives lecture at French University in Armenia The General Director of Ucom Ralph Yirikian delivered a lecture at the French University of Armenia.Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty.Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. |
