Photo Gallery Endgame for Berlusconi?
For the first time, Silvio Berlusconi, the four-time prime minister, media mogul and multi-billionaire is facing a legally binding verdict. The country's highest judges are due to decide this week whether to uphold his conviction and sentence in the Mediaset trial.
Prime Minister Enrico Letta (pictured) and his Social Democrats are trying to downplay the judgement -- because a conviction could put their coalition with Berlusconi's people under severe strain.
Berlusconi has been indicted dozens of times, but, until now, he has always managed to get himself out of trouble.
By some estimates, Berlusconi has been the subject of more than 100 trials comprising a total of 2,600 sessions. But now he may finally be forced to face the music -- and not only when it comes to the Mediaset trial.
In 2010 Berlusconi allegedly repeatedly paid for sex with dancer Karima El Mahroug, better known by the stage name "Ruby the Heartstealer," while she was still a minor. He is also accused of abusing his office as prime minister to cover up the offense. He was originally sentenced to seven years in prison and lifelong ban from holding public office.
Berlusconi is also said to have offered to pay Bari entrepreuneur Gianpaolo Tarantini to give false testimony in court. Tarantini is thought to be an important "supplier" of escorts, such as Patrizia D'Addario (pictured), whom Berlusconi invited to his notorious "Bunga Bunga" parties. The investigation is ongoing.
Berlusconi is also accused of supporting then-Prime Minister Romano Prodi (left, next to Berlusconi) by bribing corrupt parliamentarians in 2006. Ex-Senator Sergio De Gregorio testified that he received 3 million euros for switching parties. Other party defectors were also paid. The state prosecutor is still investigating.
Berlusconi's lawyer is said to have "bought" the verdict that allowed his controversial acquisition of the Mondadori publishing house. The statute of limitations on the bribe has lapsed. But prosecutors have recommended the former prime minister pay damages. A final ruling on the case is imminent.
In addition, Berlusconi is accused of having published an illegally recorded telephone conversation in his newspaper Il Giornale in an attempt to harm left-wing politician Piero Fassino. He has been initially sentenced to one year in prison.
