This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/europe/6187296.stm
The article has changed 3 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Version 0 | Version 1 |
---|---|
Berlusconi illness delays trial | |
(10 minutes later) | |
The trial of Silvio Berlusconi for alleged fraud has been postponed after the former Italian prime minister was taken ill on Sunday. | |
Mr Berlusconi, accused of corporate fraud and money-laundering, was diagnosed with a minor heart condition. | |
Aides insisted that he would be well enough to attend a protest against government policies next Saturday. | |
But his lawyers said a request to postpone hearings due to his illness had been accepted by the Milan court. | |
The trial is expected to resume on Friday. | |
Mr Berlusconi, 70, denies all charges against him. | Mr Berlusconi, 70, denies all charges against him. |
He is said to have spent a calm night in hospital and was expected to be discharged later on Monday afternoon. | |
Twice prime minister, Mr Berlusconi has been leader of the opposition since losing power in elections in April. | Twice prime minister, Mr Berlusconi has been leader of the opposition since losing power in elections in April. |
'Irregular heartbeat' | 'Irregular heartbeat' |
Proceedings against Mr Berlusconi, Italy's richest man, began last week. He could face up to 12 years in jail if convicted of charges including corporate fraud. | Proceedings against Mr Berlusconi, Italy's richest man, began last week. He could face up to 12 years in jail if convicted of charges including corporate fraud. |
He is on trial alongside 13 others, including UK lawyer David Mills, the estranged husband of British Culture Secretary, Tessa Jowell. | He is on trial alongside 13 others, including UK lawyer David Mills, the estranged husband of British Culture Secretary, Tessa Jowell. |
Prosecutors allege the defendants were involved in establishing a complex system to enable tax evasion. | Prosecutors allege the defendants were involved in establishing a complex system to enable tax evasion. |
On Sunday, Mr Berlusconi suddenly slumped at the podium where he had been speaking for about 40 minutes in the northern Italian spa resort of Montecatini Terme. | On Sunday, Mr Berlusconi suddenly slumped at the podium where he had been speaking for about 40 minutes in the northern Italian spa resort of Montecatini Terme. |
Several members of Mr Berlusconi's entourage rushed to his aid but he was unable to stand up and had to be carried out of the room. | Several members of Mr Berlusconi's entourage rushed to his aid but he was unable to stand up and had to be carried out of the room. |
Mr Berlusconi later told reporters that doctors had diagnosed an irregular heartbeat and wanted to keep him under observation for 24 hours. | Mr Berlusconi later told reporters that doctors had diagnosed an irregular heartbeat and wanted to keep him under observation for 24 hours. |
Mr Prodi is reported to have written a note to Mr Berlusconi, wishing him a speedy recovery. | Mr Prodi is reported to have written a note to Mr Berlusconi, wishing him a speedy recovery. |