Trial opens without Berlusconi

ROME, April 6 (UPI) -- His job kept Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi from attending the opening of his trial on charges of sex with an underage prostitute, his lawyer said.

A member of Berlusconi's defense team presented a letter to the judge Wednesday saying the prime minister was unable to attend because of "institutional commitments," the Italian news agency ANSA reported.

"Berlusconi intends to follow all the hearings of this trial," attorney Giorgio Perroni said. "But obviously, institutional engagements may arise and so sometimes he will not able to be present."

Berlusconi has denied paying to have sex with a Moroccan belly dancer called Ruby before she was 18-years-old. He also rejects charges he used his position to get Ruby out of jail after she was accused of theft last May.

Prosecutors say they have evidence showing the Berlusconi paid for sex with 33 alleged prostitutes after so-called "bunga bunga" parties.

Berlusconi's trial has been adjourned until May 31.