Witnesses named for Berlusconi trial

ROME, March 29 (UPI) -- Prosecutors in Italy have presented a list of 132 witnesses they plan to call to testify at the trial of Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi that begins April 6.

The Italian leader faces a maximum of 12 years in prison if convicted of charges he used an underage prostitute called Ruby and abused his position to get her released from custody on an unrelated theft charge, the Italian news agency ANSA reported Tuesday.

Among the witnesses the prosecution plans to present at trial are three people who face indictment on charges of procuring prostitutes, Berlusconi's former dental hygienist and an ex-showgirl.

Also on the list is a veteran news anchor at one of Berlusconi's TV channels and a show business talent scout.

Ruby's Moroccan parents are among the 132 witnesses prosecutors want to call.

The defense plans to present its own list of witnesses which includes 32 young women who attended Berlusconi's parties.

Berlusconi, 74, and Ruby, now 18, have both denied having sex.

Ruby said the thousands of dollars she received from the Italian leader were gifts, not pay.