An examining judge in Milan has served notice on the Italian prime minister, Silvio Berlusconi, to appear before the fourth section of the criminal court to answer charges of abuse of power and involvement in prostitution with an underage girl, Karima El Mahroug, better known as Ruby. The charges apply to events in 2010 when Ruby was still only 17.

The prime minister has been summoned before the criminal court on 6 April after prosecutors asked for an immediate trial. The court is presided over by Carmen D'Elia, Orsolina De Cristofaro and Giulia Turri.

The prime minister denies the charges.