Court rejects Berlusconi challenges in sex trial

A MILAN court rejected submissions by Silvio Berlusconi’s defence team in the trial against the Italian premier for alleged bribery and paying for sex with a 17-year-old girl.

Lawyers for the prime minister had presented 16 complaints in the trial, including a challenge to the court’s right to hear the case.

“In light of the charges, the court considers itself to be competent,” the ruling said.