The European Court of Human
Rights on Monday began a preliminary assessment of ex-premier
Silvio Berlusconi's appeal against his ban from holding public
office following a tax-fraud conviction under a 2012 law named
after then justice minister Paola Severino.
The ECHR's justices are being asked to see if the appeal is
admissible, and then to assess the merits of the appeal after
the sides present their cases.
The appeal has been conveyed to the Italian government so
it can present its arguments, sources said.
If is admits the appeal, the ECHR will eventually examine
Berlusconi's argument that he had been denied a fair trial in
the case.
Centre-right Forza Italia (FI) leader Berlusconi has voiced
confidence the ECHR's approval of his appeal against his August
2013 tax-fraud conviction will boost his comeback from recent
heart surgery.
The three-time former premier and media tycoon was
sentenced to four years in prison for masterminding a
tax-dodging strategy by his Mediaset company, commuted to one
year of community service which he began serving in May 2014.
As a result of the conviction, Berlusconi also lost his
seat in the Senate and cannot vote nor stand for election.
The former premier was ousted from Parliament under the
2012 Severino Law that prevents anyone sentenced to over two
years from holding or running for public office for at least six
years.
His ECHR appeal focuses on the argument that Italy violated
European legislation by applying the 2012 law retroactively,
thus imposing a harsher penalty than was applicable at the time
of the crime for which he was convicted.
Berlusconi remains a highly influential member of Italy's
centre right.
The ECHR's rulings are binding on the Council of Europe
member States, including Italy.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © Copyright ANSA
