Berlusconi makes last-minute pitch to avoid Senate expulsion

ROME — Former Italian premier Silvio Berlusconi on Monday made a last-minute plea to rival lawmakers not to vote for his parliamentary ejection, claiming there were fresh documents that proved his innocence.

On Wednesday, Italy’s Senate is expected to expel Berlusconi because of a rule that excludes convicted lawmakers from parliament.

Berlusconi held a press conference in Rome, saying he had collected evidence that “completely undermines the basis” for his tax fraud conviction, which was upheld by Italy’s supreme court on Aug. 2.

After eight years, a first instance ruling and two rounds of appeal, the former premier was confirmed guilty of creating an offshore scheme to avoid tax on TV rights bought from the United States by his family media firm, Mediaset.

He was sentenced to four years’ imprisonment, but three were discounted due to a 2006 pardon law. A court is expected to impose a year of community service early next year.

But Berlusconi said he would seek a legal review of the case because there were 12 witnesses that judges had not heard, and new documentation from the United States, Hong Kong and Ireland in his favor.