Berlusconi Banned From Politics for 2 Years

But he can still lead political party without holding office
By Newser Editors and Wire Services
Posted Oct 19, 2013 11:58 AM CDT
Berlusconi Banned From Politics for 2 Years
In This Oct. 2, 2013 file photo, Silvio Berlusconi sits at the Senate in Rome.   (Gregorio Borgia)

A Milan appeals court today set Silvio Berlusconi's political ban in his tax fraud conviction at two years, setting the stage for more wrangling over the future of the embattled politician who continues to wield political influence. The appellate court was ordered by Italy's highest court to determine the length of the political ban accompanying his tax fraud conviction and four-year jail term after prosecutors conceded sentencing errors in the original five-year ban. It is one of two political ban processes set in motion when Berlusconi lost his final appeal in August over his tax fraud conviction and a four-year jail sentence. Both political bans need to be approved by Parliament, prolonging the process.

Berlusconi already is facing the loss of his Senate seat due to the conviction under a 2012 law stipulating that anyone convicted to more than two years in prison cannot hold or run for office for six years. A Senate committee has approved yanking his seat, but a vote by the whole chamber is pending and could come in the coming weeks. Berlusconi won't do jail for the tax fraud case. The four-year term has been reduced to one year under an amnesty for crimes committed before 2006, and Berlusconi reportedly has requested to perform community service instead of house arrest. Berlusconi also faces a seven-year sentence and lifetime political ban after being convicted this summer of having paid a minor for sex and forcing officials to cover it up. He has two appeals. A Naples court also is investigating him for allegedly bribing a lawmaker to bolt a previous center-left government under Romano Prodi. (More Silvio Berlusconi stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X