Former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi has launched a last ditch attempt to avoid being expelled from Parliament.

He says he has new evidence including witness statements that prove he didn’t commit tax fraud, and he has called for the trial to be re-opened.

“In total we expect to have 12 witnesses, more than half of them, probably seven, completely new, “ Berlusconi said.

The media tycoon’s was found guilty of deals his firm Mediaset made to purchase TV rights to US films which avoided taxes. His conviction was upheld by Italy’s highest court in August.

The 77-year-old received a reduced prison sentence and was banned from holding public office for five years.

On Wednesday the Italian Senate will vote on his expulsion. Berlusconi says if he is removed it would amount to a government coup