Silvio Berlusconi appears Monday before a judge over allegations of business fraud.

Silvio Berlusconi appeared Monday before a judge for the first time in eight years over allegations of business fraud -- part of a web of legal woes for the billionaire Italian prime minister.

The Italian Prime Minister's attorney says his client is due to appear in a court hearing in Milan to face charges of embezzlement and fraud involving one of his media companies.

The allegation holds that the Italian premier and his son, along with others, were overpaid for television rights and failed to pay taxes on the transaction.

The prime minister's associates under investigation are celebrity agent Lele Mora, television anchor Emilio Fede, and Nicole Minetti, a former showgirl, who is now a local lawmaker for Berlusconi's People of Freedom party in Milan.

Berlusconi has denied all charges and allegations against him, calling them to be politically-motivated.

"Everything went well," Berlusconi told reporters after coming out from the court building, saying he was preparing to attend another hearing next Monday in the case involving fiscal fraud and breach of trust allegations.

Coming out, he was met by rival protests of opponents who chanted "Shame! Resign!" and supporters who shouted: "Silvio! Silvio! Hip hip, hooray!"

One placard at the protest read: "Welcome they're waiting for you inside."

The last time Berlusconi participated in a court hearing was in 2003 on bribery charges involving his business interests which were later thrown out.

The incumbent premier, already involved in two ongoing trials, may be facing up to 12 years in prison if his abuse of office is proven.

The Italian leader has had an extensive history of facing criminal allegations, including mafia involvement, false accounting, corruption, and bribery of police officers, lawyers, and judges.