Berlusconi to face trial on charges of sex with 17-year-old girl

Melbourne, Feb 15 (ANI): Scandal-hit Italian Prime Minister, Silvio Berlusconi, is set to face trial on charges of sex with a 17-year-old girl.

A court has ordered that the hearings will be heard by three female judges, the Age reported.

The news comes just hours after Berlusconi refused to step down amidst protesters' call for his resignation.

Lawyers for Berlusconi appeared to play down the judge's decision overnight saying only "we didn't expect anything else".

Berlusconi's trial will now begin on April 6 and stretch over three weeks.

The case has been fast tracked by Italy's Constitutional Court after a panel of judges removed his automatic immunity from criminal charges, granted by the Parliament last year. (ANI)