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 Trial kicked off in Milan against Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who is accused of paying for sex with an under-age prostitute, BBC writes.

The Italian PM is also accused of abuse of office – he is believed to have released Ms Mahroug from police custody. He denies any wrongdoing and says the charges are politically motivated.

Mr Berlusconi denies having sex last year with teenage nightclub dancer Ms Mahroug - better known as Ruby.

Correspondents say wire-tap evidence will be presented which is expected to reveal how women were procured for parties at Mr Berlusconi's villa.

The list of 78 witnesses named by Mr Berlusconi includes Hollywood star George Clooney and Mr Clooney's girlfriend, the Italian model and TV star Elisabetta Canalis, who were guests at one of Mr Berlusconi's parties.