Berlusconi was involved in many controversies and over 20 court cases during his political career, including being sentenced to four years' imprisonment and a five-year ban from public office by the Court of Appeals for €7M tax evasion (and €280M slush fund) on 8 May 2013, confirmed by the Court of Cassation on 1 August 2013. Due to a general pardon, his imprisonment was reduced to one year, which due to his age could be served either as a house arrest or as community service.
Berlusconi was involved in many controversies and over 20 court cases during his political career including being sentenced to four years' imprisonment and a five-year ban from public office by the Court of Appeals for €7M tax evasion (and €280M slush fund) on 8 May 2013 confirmed by the Court of Cassation on 1 August 2013 Due to a general pardon his imprisonment was reduced to one year which due to his age could be served either as a house arrest or as community service