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In a major setback and the biggest challenge in 17 years for PM Silvio Berlusconi, Milano Judge Cristina Di Censo ordered him to stand trial in April for paying for sex with a 17-year-old girl and using his influence to get her released from police custody after a robbery arrest.
Berlusconi has denied any wrongdoing and blames left-wing judges and his political foes for his woes.
A Berlusconi attorney said of the judge's decision in Milan: "We expected nothing different" -- apparently alluding to the fact that the judge, Di Censo, is a woman.
All three judges scheduled to hear the trial are women.
Berlusconi could face up to 15 years in prison. He reportedly has at least 80 lawyers working on his case.
The trial could last two months but does not require that he attend.
ALSO: Cashing In On Celebrity: Ruby's Not Shy! Ruby the Heart Stealer, the girl connected with Berlusconi's alleged minor sexual relation charge, stars in an ad campaign for a book--- in her underwear.
AND: A Long Profile of Karima El Mahroug, aka stage name Ruby Rubacuori, or Ruby Heartstealer - who claims she was a child victim of rape and abuse, in and out of care since running away from home at either 12 or 14 years old.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-12473645
