Lawmakers block Berlusconi probe request

ROME, Feb. 4 (UPI) -- Lawmakers denied prosecutors' request to investigate Silvio Berlusconi's accountant in an inquiry into sex allegations against the Italian prime minister.

The lower chamber's vote came after Milan legal officials sought to search the offices of Berlusconi's accountant, whom they suspect of handling payments for the prime minister to an underage prostitute and other young women who attended parties at his villas, the BBC reported Friday.

Lawmakers sent the case back to the prosecutors, challenging their jurisdiction in the matter.

Berlusconi, 74, said the allegations were politically motivated and he wouldn't resign because of them.

Berlusconi has refused to appear before the prosecutors wanting to question him about his alleged relations with prostitutes, including Karima El Mahroug, an 18-year-old Moroccan prosecutors claim attended Berlusconi's parties when she was 17 and was paid to have sex with the prime minister.

Berlusconi and Mahroug, also known as Ruby, have denied having sex, saying the nearly $9,500 she received from him was a gift.