Former Italian premier Silvio Berlusconi has blamed "feminist, communist" judges for a 200,000 euro a day divorce settlement following the break up of his second marriage.

Mr Berlusconi told the La7 TV network that he was appealing against the settlement with ex-wife Veronica Lario.

Italian media initially reported the settlement amounted to 100,000 euros a day. But Mr Berlusconi said the figure, with arrears, was double that. He said: "These are three women judges, feminists and communists, OK? These are the Milan judges who have persecuted me since 1994."

Ms Lario filed for divorce in 2009, citing Mr Berlusconi's fondness for younger women.

The billionaire media mogul is currently on trial, accused of paying for sex with an underage Moroccan girl and using his office to cover it up. He and the girl deny the charges.

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