Berlusconi's lawyers seek to move trials
2013-03-15 20:01
Milan - Silvio Berlusconi's lawyers have filed motions to
change the jurisdiction of two trials nearing verdicts in Milan.
Berlusconi's lawyers claim the Milan courts are biased against
the former premier and sought on Friday to move the trials to Brescia, also in
the Lombardy region.
Berlusconi's defence has been at loggerheads with the
Milan courts as they have petitioned to delay hearings due to Berlusconi's
hospitalisation for an eye inflammation.
Both courts have demanded exams by court-appointed
doctors, enraging members of Berlusconi's party who allege judges are trying to
sideline him politically.
Italy's magistrates association has denied the
allegations, which it says undermine the judges' independence.
Milan courts are hearing Berlusconi's sex-for-hire trial
and appeal on a tax fraud conviction.
Berlusconi is expected to be released from the hospital
later on Friday.
- AP
