Berlusconi to slog on, despite allegation

ROME, Oct. 5 (UPI) -- Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi said Monday he would serve out his full term despite an allegation he had been involved in bribery nearly 20 years ago.

A Milan judge alleged Berlusconi had been "co-responsible" for bribing another judge to prevent a business rival from acquiring the Mondadori publishing house, The Financial Times reported.

Berlusconi, who was elected last year, said his government "will bring to completion its five-year mission," saying he was speechless at the judge's allegation in open court, the report said.

The Times said the allegation may not have legal consequences immediately for the prime minister, but it once again highlighted Berlusconi's business dealings and influence in the Italian media. A mass demonstration in Rome Saturday slammed Berlusconi for his major media holdings.

In a separate action, Italy's highest court was expected to begin deliberations Tuesday on whether the immunity from prosecution parliament gave Berlusconi last year was constitutional. The Times said the immunity saved Berlusconi from a corruption prosecution in which his British lawyer was found guilty.

The lawyer, David Miller, was accused of being bribed by Berlusconi to give false testimony on the prime minister's behalf. Miller, who along with Berlusconi denied the charge, has appealed, the Times said.