Silvio Berlusconi Wins Appeal, Conviction In Sex-For-Hire Case With Minor Overturned

Silvio Berlusconi, the former Italian prime minister, won an appeal Friday against his conviction in a sex-for-hire case with an underage prostitute.

The decision overturns a lower court's decision that initially sentenced Berlusconi to seven years in prison and a lifetime ban on holding office.

Prosecutors have alleged that Berlusconi, who served as prime minister most recently from 2008 to 2011, presided over raunchy, sex-fueled parties and, upon paying for sex with the underage prostitue, used his influence to cover it up.

The acquittal came as Berlusoni carries out community service as punishment for an unrelated tax evasion case.