Prosecutors seek speedy sex trial for Berlusconi

PROSECUTORS will today request an immediate trial against embattled Premier Silvio Berlusconi over accusations he paid for sex with a 17-year-old girl and then used his influence to cover it up.

Prosecutor Edmondo Bruti Liberati said he would file the request with the Milan court today, when prosecutors would decide within five days whether to seek trial on both accusations, and whether they would be tried separately or simultaneously.

Prosecutors allege Berlusconi paid for sex with a young Moroccan, who has since turned 18, and then used his influence to get her out of police custody when she was detained for a suspected theft of €3,000, allegedly fearing her relationship to him would be revealed. She ultimately was released into the custody of a Berlusconi aide who also is under investigation.