The Italian prime minister will face trial for allegedly paying a 17-year-old girl for sex, among other charges. If convicted, Berlusconi could get up to 15 years in prison, which might please the hundreds of thousands of Italian women protesting his behavior toward women.

BBC:

Mr Berlusconi’s fast-track trial in front of three female judges will start at a court in Milan at 0930 on Wednesday 6 April, the judge announced.

If convicted, the prime minister could face up to 15 years in prison.

These are some of the most serious allegations Mr Berlusconi has faced during his long career, says the BBC’s Duncan Kennedy in Rome. He faces three other court cases, but this is the first time he will face trial over his personal conduct

Read more

WAIT BEFORE YOU GO...

This year, the ground feels uncertain — facts are buried and those in power are working to keep them hidden. Now more than ever, independent journalism must go beneath the surface.

At Truthdig, we don’t just report what's happening — we investigate how and why. We follow the threads others leave behind and uncover the forces shaping our future.

Your tax-deductible donation fuels journalism that asks harder questions and digs where others won’t.

Don’t settle for surface-level coverage.

Unearth what matters. Help dig deeper.

Donate now.

SUPPORT TRUTHDIG