Berlusconi and 10 other defendants were charged with a complex scheme to purchase the television rights for US movies to be broadcast on the three time premier and billionaire’s private television networks via a complex web of offshore companies. The prosecution says Berlusconi and his partner Fedele Confalonieri then falsely declared payments to their Mediaset TV companyto avoid paying taxes.
The court further ruled that Berlusconi is further forbidden from holding any government post for three years and ordered him to pay 10 million euro in damages. The former PM is expected to appeal the decision.
The ruling in protracted 6-year legal battle comes two days after Berlusconi, 76, announced he would not run to reclaim his former position as Italy’s prime minister in upcoming parliamentary elections.
Berlusconi tendered his resignation last November amid Italy's spiraling debt crisis.
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