Sex charge trial to begin in April 
Italian PM Silvio Berlusconi has been indicted to stand trial on charges of paying for sex with an underage girl and abuse of power.
Examining judge Cristina Di Censo said the process would start on 6 April, after prosecutors in Milan asked for an immediate trial.
Mr Berlusconi denies paying for sex with Karima El Mahroug when she was 17.
He also rejects claims that he abused his power by seeking her release when she was detained in another case.
He does, however, acknowledge that he called the police while she was being held on suspicion of theft.
Ms Mahroug, widely known as Ruby and now aged 18, has denied sleeping with the prime minister but has said she received 7,000 euros (£5,900, $9,400) from him as a gift after one of his parties.
The trial will take place at a court in Milan at 0930 on Wednesday 6 April, the judge has announced.
Italian PM Silvio Berlusconi has been indicted to stand trial on charges of paying for sex with an underage girl and abuse of power.
Examining judge Cristina Di Censo said the process would start on 6 April, after prosecutors in Milan asked for an immediate trial.
Mr Berlusconi denies paying for sex with Karima El Mahroug when she was 17.
He also rejects claims that he abused his power by seeking her release when she was detained in another case.
He does, however, acknowledge that he called the police while she was being held on suspicion of theft.
Ms Mahroug, widely known as Ruby and now aged 18, has denied sleeping with the prime minister but has said she received 7,000 euros (£5,900, $9,400) from him as a gift after one of his parties.
The trial will take place at a court in Milan at 0930 on Wednesday 6 April, the judge has announced.
