Berlusconi tax trial resumes

PREMIER Silvio Berlusconi has gone back on trial for alleged tax fraud in the first of several court cases to resume after Italy’s constitutional court watered down an immunity bill sparing the premier from trial.

Prosecutors say Berlusconi’s Mediaset media empire purchased TV rights for US movies through two offshore companies and falsely declared the costs to reduce the tax bill.

Berlusconi, who wasn’t in court, has denied the allegations.

The trial was suspended last year after parliament passed legislation sparing the premier from trial for up to 18 months if he has a “legitimate impediment” stemming from being an elected official.

Italy’s Constitutional Court weakened the legislation last month, allowing the trial to resume.

Berlusconi’s lawyer Piero Longo said he could be present at the next hearing scheduled for April 11.