Italian premier set to be indicted

ITALIAN prosecutors intend to indict Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi on corruption charges after concluding an investigation into whether he had bribed British lawyer David Mills, two Italian newspapers have reported.

Mr Berlusconi has been under investigation in the case in Milan. The premier has denied any wrongdoing, and said the allegations are part of a campaign orchestrated against him by left-leaning magistrates.

He is accused of ordering the payment of at least €593,691 to Mr Mills in 1997 to give false testimony in two trials against him.

Mr Mills is married to British Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell.

A lawyer for Mr Berlusconi, Niccolo Ghedini, said: “I find it amazing that the probe has been wrapped up a few days into the electoral campaign, considering that it’s an investigation that has lasted years.”

He expressed the hope the case would be shelved.