Italy court strikes down law shielding Berlusconi

ROME - Italy’s Constitutional Court ruled Wednesday against a law shielding Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi and other top officials from prosecution.

The ruling could lead to the resumption of trials involving the premier, including one for corruption in Milan that was suspended following the introduction of the immunity law last year.

The court consisting of 14 men and one woman reached a verdict following almost two days of deliberations.

The law protects Italy’s premier, president and two parliament speakers from prosecution while in office, but opposition leaders say it was tailor-made to help Berlusconi overcome his long-standing legal woes.