Berlusconi set to ride out bribery charges storm
He insisted there was no evidence against him and lamented the damage that is being done to Italy's image abroad.
Mr Berlusconi is the first sitting Italian premier to stand trial and it was only the third time he has showed up since the proceeding began three years ago. With an immunity about to be passed, it may be his last appearance for some years.
Last month he told judges that his role in a contested business deal only served the best interest of the nation.
Mr Berlusconi's appearance came a few weeks before Italy takes over the EU rotating presidency and a day before the lower house of parliament votes on an immunity law that would halt the premier's trial. The senate has already approved the measure.
"I wonder how the money of Italian citizens can be spent setting up a trial that is based exclusively on inventions," the premier told the packed courtroom during the hour-long appearance.
The courtroom, which is normally used for ceremonies, was heavily guarded.
Mr Berlusconi is accused of bribing judges in Rome to sway a ruling on the sale of former state-controlled food company SME in the 1980s, before he was a politician. Berlusconi has said the company was about to be sold off too cheaply, so he stepped in after pleas from then-premier Bettino Craxi.
Mr Berlusconi, who is Italy's richest man, has denied any wrongdoing and portrayed himself as the victim of a political vendetta by left-leaning prosecutors.
"There isn't I repeat, I want to say this strongly a piece of evidence, an accusation, a document. And there is no motive," he said.
The premier said that because of the trial, "tons of mud have been thrown at me for seven years by newspapers, television, in Italy and abroad". Charges were initially filed in the case seven years ago.
Mr Berlusconi also accused the prosecution of withholding evidence that would prove him innocent. The documents, he said, are kept in a file that has not been made public or available to the defence.
"If there's a trial against Silvio Berlusconi, his defence lawyers must have access to the papers," he said.
The file reportedly includes testimony by magistrates who have investigated in the case over the years, which Mr Berlusconi claims is favourable to him. He asked that those magistrates be heard in court.
As the premier left the courtroom, some booed him, while others starting chanting his name, shouting "up with Silvio" and clapping hands.
Outside the court, the chants continued.
