Uproar in the Italian Senate ahead of a vote to expel Silvio Berlusconi from Parliament.
Berlusconi is expelled over his tax fraud conviction, drawing a defiant response from the veteran center-right leader who shows no sign of going gently.
As his supporters gather Berlusconi spoke of dark times in Italy.
(SOUNDBITE) (Italian) ITALIAN CENTER-RIGHT LEADER, SILVIO BERLUSCONI, SAYING:
"We are here in what is a bitter day, a day of mourning for Italian democracy."
Italy now moves into an uncertain new phase with the 77-year-old media billionaire preparing to use all his extensive resources to attack the coalition government.
On the street, mixed reaction.
(SOUNDBITE) (Italian) GIUSEPPE, SAYING:
"They are persecuting Berlusconi, they are being vindictive, it's not right. He's been a politician for 20 years, and he governed well."
(SOUNDBITE) (Italian) CLAUDIO BRUNATO, SAYING:
"Firstly, finally Italy is free, but it's too late, it'
