George Clooney to testify at Berlusconi trial?

George Clooney might be called to provide testimony at Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi's impending prostitution trial.

The leader is accused of paying for a series of sexual encounters last year with an alleged Moroccan call girl known as Ruby - real name Karima el-Mahroug - who was not yet 18 years old at the time. Berlusconi is also charged with using undue influence to have Ruby released from jail following an arrest for theft.

Berlusconi has patently denied any wrongdoing.

Defence attorneys for the prime minister have called on a bevy of witnesses, including Italian Foreign Minister Franco Frattini and Clooney, to provide testimony when the trial gets under way next week.

It is thought that Clooney, who owns a home just north of Milan, has been asked to provide information because Ruby once claimed that she saw the American actor and his girlfriend Elisabetta Canalis at a party held by the politician.

"We want to see if they confirm this fact or not," said defence attorney Piersilvio Cipollotti.

In an official statement to The AP, Clooney claimed that he finds it bizarre to be included on a list of potential witnesses in Berlusconi's trial.

"It seems odd since I've only met Berlusconi once and that was in an attempt to get aid into Darfur," the star said.

While Clooney has made the defence witness list, it is ultimately up to the case's judge to decide who will testify during the trial.

Berlusconi has reigned as Italian Prime Minister for three terms, surviving corruption and bribery allegations to thus far retain office.

> Clooney: 'Past keeps me out of politics'