The Italian Senate has approved a controversial legal reform which could allow the Prime Minister, Silvio Berlusconi, to avoid standing trial on corruption charges.
Following a heated debate, dozens of opposition senators walked out and others wore blindfolds in protest as the legislation was passed.
The Bill, which now goes before the lower house of parliament, the Chamber of Deputies, would allow defendants to demand a new trial if they have legitimate suspicion that a judge is biased against them.
