Italian Senate panel recommends Berlusconi's expulsion over tax fraud

A cross-party panel of the Italian Senate has reportedly recommended expulsion of former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi over his conviction for tax fraud.

Berlusconi was convicted of tax fraud in October 2012 over deals that his firm Mediaser made to purchase TV rights to US films.

According to the BBC, the ex-premier had threatened to topple the coalition government over the issue but backed down during a confidence vote.

Berlusconi accused the Senate panel of bias and stayed away from its deliberations and said that there was no possibility of any defence and no reason to appear before a body which has already announced what decision it is going to take through the press. he report said that the decision to expel Berlusconi is expected to go before the Senate within three weeks.

Berlusconi has also been convicted of paying for sex with an underage prostitute and of breach of confidentiality over a police wiretap and he is appealing against both convictions.

The report added that he will have to serve a one-year sentence for his tax conviction, under house arrest or via community service because of his age.