Italian prosecutors seek trial of Berlusconi

Italian prosecutors seek trial of Berlusconi

February 9, 2011 -- Updated 1422 GMT

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Rome (CNN) -- Italian prosecutors Wednesday formally requested a trial of Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi for alleged abuse of power and sex with an underage prostitute, they said.

Judge Cristina di Censo has five days to make a decision on how to proceed now that Milan chief prosecutor Edmundo Bruti Liberati has filed the application.

She can accept the request, putting the trial in motion without a traditional preliminary hearing; or dismiss it, allowing investigations to continue to determine whether there is enough evidence for trial.

She could also refer the case to another court. Berlusconi's lawyers have argued that the Milan courts do not have jurisdiction -- because of where the alleged crimes were committed -- or the authority to try a prime minister.

Prosecutors are investigating claims that Berlusconi paid for sex with nightclub dancer Karima El Mahrough, who was 17 at the time of the alleged activity.

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