Italy's Senate Moves Toward Stripping Berlusconi of His Seat

Friday saw the next step of stripping Silvio Berlusconi of his seat in the Italian senate take place.

Two months ago, Berlusconi was convicted of tax fraud, and that conviction led to today's vote.

Friday's vote was only done by a special panel, but now it will move to a vote from the entire senate.

In an attempt to avoid Friday's vote, Berlusconi had tried to bring down the government and force new elections, but his move failed.

The former prime minister controls the People of Freedom Party, however, if expelled from the Senate he may also face a ban from politics.

On October 15, Berlusconi begins his one year sentence, for the tax fraud, though it most likely will only consist of house arrest.