Italian ex-premier Silvio Berlusconi has been found guilty of engaging in sex with an underage prostitute and of abuse of power.

If the “Rubygate” conviction is upheld, Berlusconi would serve 7 years in prison and be banned from holding public office.

There will undoubtedly be appeals in this sensational case, but Berlusconi’s legal troubles continue to mount as he has been convicted of multiple offenses in separate cases.

Repubblica and the BBC report on the verdict.

Students studying Italian history and European Union politics will want to follow this developing story.