An Italian appeals court on Friday cleared Silvio Berlusconi of
having sex with an underage prostitute and abuse of power in a surprise
ruling that will strengthen the former prime minister on the political
scene.
"The defendant is acquitted," presiding judge Enrico Tranfa said, requesting silence after gasps from the courtroom.
The effectively scraps Berlusconi's seven-year sentence and lifelong ban from holding public office.
The judge said there was "no crime" on the abuse of power charge and that Berlusconi's actions "did not constitute a crime" on the prostitution one, promising to publish a detailed explanation within the three-month legal limit.
Read more: Berlusconi acquitted in Ruby sex case trial | Alternet
"The defendant is acquitted," presiding judge Enrico Tranfa said, requesting silence after gasps from the courtroom.
The effectively scraps Berlusconi's seven-year sentence and lifelong ban from holding public office.
The judge said there was "no crime" on the abuse of power charge and that Berlusconi's actions "did not constitute a crime" on the prostitution one, promising to publish a detailed explanation within the three-month legal limit.
Read more: Berlusconi acquitted in Ruby sex case trial | Alternet
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