Berlusconi: Milan Prosecutors Acting 'Subversively' Over Sex Scandal

Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi Wednesday said prosecutors requesting to put him on trial immediately are acting subversively and dismissed their case as a pretext to oust him.

Berlusconi was reacting to news that Milan prosecutors had requested an immediate trial based on allegations the prime minister abused his power and paid for sex with an underage girl.

"I can only say that it's a farce, they are accusations without any basis. The only aim of the inquiry is to defame me in the media," he said at a press conference focusing on Italy's economy.

He said the case was subversive and the charges were pretexts for opponents determined to remove him from power.

The 74-year-old leader is alleged to have paid for sex with nightclub dancer Ruby, who was 17 at the time, and improperly used his power as prime minister by asking police to release her after she had been picked up for alleged theft.

Berlusconi has denied ever paying for sex, let alone with Ruby, who turned 18 in November 2010.

His lawyers also claim the Italian leader did not abuse his power when he told police to release Ruby, because he believed she was the niece of the Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, which was untrue.

Berlusconi had therefore been carrying out his duty by intervening to help a fellow leader and reduce diplomatic fallout, they say.

"I'm not worried for myself. I am a rich man who can pass his time building hospitals for children all over the world, as I've always hoped."