Italy senate hearing on Berlusconi

A cross-party panel of the Italian Senate has recommended the expulsion from the chamber of Silvio Berlusconi over his conviction for tax fraud.

The former prime minister had threatened to topple the coalition government over the issue but backed down during a confidence vote.

The panel's deliberations were broadcast live. As the panel voted against him, a full vote will be held in the Senate itself.

The call to expel the man who dominated Italian politics for nearly two decades is expected to go before the Senate within three weeks.