...a race against time

Berlusconi back in dock in Italy

By Christian Fraser BBC News, Rome

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A court in Milan has begun the trial of former Italian PM Silvio Berlusconi and British lawyer David Mills for perverting the course of justice.

Mr Berlusconi is alleged to have paid Mr Mills $600,000 (£310,500) as a reward for giving favourable testimony in two previous corruption trials.

The two face prison terms of between four and 12 years if convicted.

Both men deny the charges and neither was present for the opening of the trial.

For the prosecution this trial is a race against time.

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