Berlusconi bids to stop appeals

Italian Premier Silvio Berlusconi says Parliament will approve his government’s proposal to overhaul the justice system, including ending the right of prosecutors to appeal against acquittals.

Berlusconi insists the legislation is in the interest of all, but critics say the reforms are meant to assist him in his judicial battles.

The media mogul goes on trial next month on charges of paying for sex with an underage Moroccan teenager.

Other trials in Milan involving Berlusconi stem from business-related corruption or tax fraud charges. He denies all wrongdoing.

In Italy, both prosecutors and defendants can appeal against verdicts.

If passed, the reforms approved by Berlusconi’s Cabinet today would allow judges to be sued by citizens for miscarriage of justice.