ROME (AP) — The Italian parliament has passed a controversial measure shielding Premier Silvio Berlusconi from ongoing trials.
The measure allows the premier and Cabinet ministers to postpone for six months hearings in any ongoing trial in which they are implicated. Berlusconi is a defendant in two trials in Milan — one on corruption charges, one of tax fraud charges. He denies wrongdoing.
The legislation received final approval Wednesday in the Senate. Berlusconi's conservatives enjoy a solid majority in parliament.
Critics say the measure is just a way to shield Berlusconi from the Milan trials. Backers insist the measure is necessary because Italians voted for Berlusconi to govern the country, not to be distracted by judicial proceedings.
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