Berlusconi in Hospital with Eye Problem

Silvio Berlusconi, former Italian Prime Minister, is in the hospital with an eye problem.

Former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi (L) touches his eyes, 2011. He is currently in the hospital being treated for a recurring eye problem. (Eric Feferberg/AFP/Getty Images)

Former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi is in the hospital today being treated for an eye problem. This has been a recurring problem and lawyers have said it is a legitimate impediment to his appearance in court, according to Reuters.

Thursday Berlusconi was received a one-year sentence for publishing the contents of an illegally obtained wiretap, though he will not serve any time because he is over 75 years old.

He was scheduled to appear in court again Friday on charges of paying for sex with an underage prostitute, according to Reuters. This hospital stay could delay the verdict, due March 18.

A slew of charges have been brought against Berlusconi in recent years, including bribery, perjury, corruption and fraud.

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