Italy: Court delays ex-Premier Silvio Berlusconi's sex-for-hire trial

Milan: A Milan court has delayed former Premier Silvio Berlusconi's sex-for-hire trial after receiving new medical documents confirming that an eye inflammation has prevented his attendance. Berlusconi has been hospitalized since Friday, and his legal team has sought delays in two trials that are nearing verdicts at a politically delicate moment for Italy.

Berlusconi's center-right coalition finished second in last month's inconclusive elections and Parliament is to convene Friday, setting the stage for talks on forming a new government. Both courts have asked for court-appointed doctors to certify his condition, enraging lawmakers in Berlusconi's center-right coalition, who marched on the Milan courthouse earlier this week.

The protest drew criticism from political opponents as undermining the judicial system. The sex-for-hire case's next session will be Monday.

Berlusconi has been hospitalized since Friday, and his legal team has sought delays in two trials that are nearing verdicts.

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