Silvio Berlusconi goes to European court to reverse ban on holding public office
In the "Berlusconi v Italy" case, the former PM is using a British law firm to argue an Italian law breaches his human rights.
Wednesday 22 November 2017 13:13, UK
Disgraced former Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi is attempting to persuade a European court to allow him to run again for office.
Lawyers are arguing at the European Court of Human Rights that his ban from holding public office is illegitimate.
The 81-year-old has hired a top London law firm to represent him at the Strasbourg court.
Italy's parliament passed a law that led to Mr Berlusconi being banned from holding office for at least six years after he was convicted of an offence under Italian law.
Three experts in international human rights law from Britain's Doughty Street Chambers are now attempting to argue that the ban was unfairly applied because it was imposed retroactively.
The so-called Severino Decree, named after the justice minister who drew it up, ruled that anyone who is sentenced to more than two years in jail should be unable to hold public office for six years or more.
Mr Berlusconi was convicted of tax fraud in 2012 and sentenced to four years in prison, which was later reduced to a year's community service.
His 2013 conviction for paying for sex with an underage prostitute was later overturned on appeal.
Mr Berlusconi's bid to return to front-line politics comes at a time when it appears his party, Forza Italia, could enjoy a revival.
Earlier this month, a right-wing coalition Mr Berlusconi helped put together won elections in Sicily.
He has already signalled his intention to be involved in next year's general election, even if the court verdict is not delivered in time.
"I will be on the pitch, as captain or coach," he said.
Mr Berlusconi was Italian prime minister four times before he was mired in scandal over his "bunga bunga" parties and the country falling into serious levels of national debt.
But he is known for his unexpected comebacks, and is attempting one for the election, after open heart surgery last year.
The "Berlusconi vs Italy" case is seen as being part of that attempt.
Mr Berlusconi was not at the hearing and was represented by his own team of lawyers.