Editor's Notes:

Since becoming Italian Prime Minister, Silvio Berlusconi has endured 105 judicial probes and trials and 2,500 court hearings and spent over $409 million U.S. dollars in legal fees defending himself against allegations, according to a report of Bloomberg Businessweek on February 16.

In May, 2009, Berlusconi' wife Veronica Lario announced she was divorcing him, saying she could not remain with a man "who consorts with minors". In June, Berlusconi's naked party photos hit most headlines worldwide. In December the same year, a man threw a small replica of Milan's Cathedral at Berlusconi's face and also threw him into hospital.

In the latest scandal, Berlusconi was accused of having paid at least 7,000 euros (US$9,400) for the services of a Moroccan-born cabaret dancer named Karima el Mahrough but best known by her stage name "Ruby." He was also accused of illegally using his influence to help her after she had been arrested for theft.

Berlusconi's actions sparked massive protests in the country. As many as one million women took to the street on February 13. He will stand trial on charges of abuse of power and minor prostitution on April 6 by three female judges.

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