Berlusconi defends graft trial Bill

Rome: Italian Premier Silvio Berlusconi hit back on Tuesday against renewed accusations that he was using public office to protect his private interests in a battle over legislation that would suspend his corruption trial.

Critics have dubbed the legislation a "premier-saving" measure but the ever-combative Italian leader said it was meant for the good of all citizens and lashed out against "extreme leftist" magistrates who mounted "fictional trials" against him for political ends.

He also proposed to reintroduce a controversial immunity Bill to shield top office-holders from prosecution.