Italian prosecutors today formally requested that premier Silvio Berlusconi stand trial over accusations he paid for sex with a 17-year-old girl and then used his influence to try to cover it up.

A judge must now decide whether to accept the prosecutors' request and indict the 74-year-old leader, or dismiss it.

The prosecutors filed their request in Milan. They are seeking an immediate trial.

Mr Berlusconi has denied the charges.

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