Italians divided over Berlusconi ruling

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Former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi's four-year jail sentence over tax fraud has divided residents in Rome.

Some believe Berlusconi is guilty of abusing his power.

(SOUNDBITE) (Italian) ROME RESIDENT, CLAUDIO CONTI, SAYING:

"I think it was expected, in one way or another. Perhaps this is the first time we can say that the law is the same for everyone and even in the face of major powers, the magistrates have been able to exercise their power. I wish it could always be this way."

Others feel the court's decision is politically motivated.

(SOUNDBITE) (Italian) ROME RESIDENT, DESIDERIA GABRIELLI, SAYING:

"Well, he will appeal I'd imagine. As we've seen before it's always been like this, he's always been right and I think there is a certain campaign against him."

On Friday, a Milan court found Berlusconi guilty of fraud involving the purchase of broadcasting rights by his television company Mediaset.

Berlusconi can appeal at two further stages in the judicial process.