The Italian Senate has passed a draft bill restricting the length of court cases to a maximum of ten years. If the judge has not passed sentence within this amount of time, the suspect is released.

Critics say the law has been created to protect Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi as the measure would put an end to cases against him for tax evasion and corruption.

Supporters of the legislation say it will tackle Italy's notoriously slow court proceedings. The Lower House is also expected to pass the bill.

Photo: Silvio Berlusconi - EPA