Milan prosecutors on Wednesday requested Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi stand trial on charges of abuse of power and child prostitution.

"Evidence of proof" existed the crimes were committed, Milan's chief prosecutor Edmondo Bruti Liberati said in a statement.

The prosecutors are seeking an immediate trial.

Judges will have at least five working days to decide whether the fast-track trial is warranted and to set a court date, probably starting around mid-year.

Berlusconi was accused of paying for sex with a 17-year-old girl and attempting to use his position to cover it up.

The case was the latest in a long line of embarrassing developments for the embattled 74-year-old Italian leader.

Berlusconi has consistently denied any wrongdoing in the case and has said he and the girl are only friends.

If found guilty of paying a minor for sex, Berlusconi could face up to three years in prison, with an additional six to 12 years for influence peddling and abuse of power.

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