Milan - Silvio Berlusconi's lawyer said on Monday that the premier will appear at his trials when possible, but he is giving precedence to his official duties.
The premier has stated publicly he wants to defend himself in person, but skipped a hearing at his judicial corruption trial on Monday due to a Cabinet meeting on Libya.
Lawyer Niccolo Ghedini told reporters that the premier planned to attend the various trials to hear testimony, and would appear “within the possible limits”.
“It is obvious that Premier Berlusconi has given priority to his public role, as opposed to his legitimate right as a private citizen to defend himself,” Ghedini said.
In Monday's trial, an expert for the prosecution traced the origins of $600 000 Berlusconi is alleged to have paid a British lawyer, David Mills, to lie in another case involving the premier's business dealings.
Ghedini said the numbers presented had demonstrated Berlusconi's innocence.
A dozen Berlusconi supporters, all wearing light blue ribbons and including a senator in his party, gathered at the courtroom to show their support for the premier. They applauded and yelled “Bravo” as Ghedini exited the chamber for a break in the proceedings.
“We came here to support our premier,” said one, who would identify herself only as Marisa. “We are free citizens.”
The trial is one of four cases active in Milan, three of which are related to Berlusconi's business dealings. The premier has constantly denied any wrongdoing.
The 74-year-old premier's underage prostitution trial - for allegedly paying a Moroccan teen for sex - starts next month. - Sapa-AP