MILAN, Italy, Oct. 19 (UPI) -- Former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi has been banned from holding public office for two years because of his conviction for tax fraud.
The ban, imposed by a court in Milan, must be approved by parliament before it can take effect, the BBC reported Saturday.
A Senate panel recommended earlier this month that Berlusconi be expelled from the chamber.
A vote is expected within the next few weeks.
Should he be ejected, Berlusconi would lose his immunity from prosecution at a time he faces a number of criminal charges.
Berlusconi was sentenced to four years in prison for his fraud conviction. Under a 2006 pardon law, that sentenced was automatically reduced to one year. He also was prohibited from holding public office for five years.
