Silvio Berlusconi’s bribery case thrown out as expired

Italian judges have thrown out a bribery case against former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, because it expired under the statute of limitations.

Silvio Berlusconi was accused of paying his former British tax lawyer, David Mills, to lie in court to protect his interests.

The case dates back to the 1990’s.

Silvio Berlusconi, who denies wrongdoing, says this and other court cases against him are all part of a politically-motivated smear campaign.

He is on trial separately on charges of tax fraud and sex with an under-age prostitute.

The prosecution alleged David Mills was given $600,000 to lie in court about Silvio Berlusconi’s business interests.

David Mills, who was not on trial, denies that any such payment was made.

In December David Mills told a court he was “deeply ashamed” for falsely claiming that Silvio Berlusconi had given him $600,000.

David Mills said the money had actually come from an associate he had not wanted to admit dealing with.

Of the other three cases Silvio Berlusconi still faces, potentially the most damaging for the former Italian leader involves Moroccan nightclub dancer Karima El Mahroug, also known as Ruby.

Prosecutors allege Karima El Mahroug attended several parties at Silvio Berlusconi’s residence last year and was paid for sex while she was still 17, an offence according to Italian law. Both she and the prime minister deny having sex. She says she did receive 7,000 Euros, but it was as a gift after a party.