Berlusconi acquitted in alleged tax fraud case

Former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi smiles as he casts his vote at the polling station in Milan, in this Feb 24, 2013 file photo. [Photo/Agencies]

ROME - Italy's Court of Cassation on Wednesday definitely acquitted three-time ex-premier Silvio Berlusconi of an alleged fraud over inflated prices for television rights involving his Mediaset media company.

Berlusconi's eldest son Pier Silvio and nine other defendants were also acquitted, the ANSA news agency said late in the evening.

The so-called Mediatrade case alleged fraud in the purchase of film rights by Mediaset. Berlusconi had always denied any wrongdoing.

The 76-year-old media entrepreneur, who ruled Italy for almost 10 years, has been put on trial over 30 times. None of the probes ended with a final verdict either because he was acquitted or because trials were timed out or overturned on appeal.

Berlusconi, whose center-right coalition has achieved a surprise success in the Feb 24-25 national elections, still has various trials underway ranging from corruption to paying a minor for sex.