Italy's Constitutional Court has ruled that Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi does not enjoy immunity from prosecution. It declared legislation granting the prime minister such immunity to be against the constitution.

The ruling means that a number of cases against Mr Berlusconi can now go ahead. He faces charges including tax evasion and bribery.

The prime minister has condemned the Constitutional Court's ruling as politically motivated. He says he is determined to remain in office until the end of his term.

Mr Berlusconi pushed the immunity legislation through parliament shortly after he was elected prime minister for the third time. The law also granted immunity to the Italian president and the speakers of both houses of parliament.

photo: Silvio Berlusconi (EPA)