Berlusconi kicked out of Senate in 'day of mourning for democracy'

Former premier Silvio Berlusconi has been expelled from the Italian Senate over his tax fraud conviction.

The vote to remove him bars the 77-year-old from office for at least six years, but does not mark the end of his political career.

Berlusconi maintained his defiance ahead of the vote, declaring a “day of mourning for democracy” before thousands of cheering, flag-waving supporters outside his Roman palazzo.

Even though Berlusconi will not hold a seat in parliament, he is expected to remain influential in Italian politics.

He has relaunched his Forza Italia party and analysts estimate he still commands millions of supporters.