Verdict awaited in Berlusconi trial

Defence lawyers for Silvio Berlusconi are making their final arguments in the former premier’s corruption trial before the court begins its deliberations.

A verdict in the case is expected later today but is unlikely to have any lasting legal force due to statute of limitations. Prosecutors have demanded a five-year sentence.

Berlusconi is accused of having paid a British lawyer $600,000 to lie in two 1990s trials related to the billionaire media mogul’s business dealings. David Mills was convicted of bribery charges in 2009.

The conviction was overturned by Italy’s highest court after the statute of limitations expired.

Berlusconi, who stepped down as Italy’s premier last November after failing to persuade markets the country could exit the financial crisis, did not attend the closing arguments.