Berlusconi to Stand Trial for Corruption

Another blow following conviction for tax fraud

Former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi was ordered to stand trial for corruption on Wednesday, in a fresh legal blow to the center-right leader following his conviction for tax fraud in August and a string of other cases.

Naples prosecutors accuse Berlusconi of bribing Sergio De Gregorio, a former senator in the small Italy of Values party, to switch allegiance as part of an attempt to bring down the center-left government of former Prime Minister Romano Prodi in 2006.

De Gregorio, who has admitted receiving 3 million euros from Berlusconi and attempting to persuade other senators to change sides, was sentenced to 20 months in jail after plea bargaining.