Berlusconi case adjourned

A judge in Milan has adjourned the trial of the former Italian Prime Minister, Silvio Berlusconi -- who is charged with false accounting and tax fraud -- shortly after it opened to allow the defence to examine more documants.

The charges relate to his purchase of a luxury house.

Mr Berlusconi, who is the leader of the opposition, says he is the victim of a political vendetta.

He was sentenced last month to sixteen months in jail for fraud in a case involving his media and financial group, Fininvest.

Mr Berlusconi is also facing trials for alleged bribery and illegal party funding.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service