Craxi trial switch plea rejected

MILAN (Reuter) - A court yesterday rejected a request by the former prime minister Bettino Craxi to have his trial switched from Milan because he feared for his safety. The one-time Socialist Party chief was not in court as proceedings opened. He is accused with 12 other people of corruption over alleged bribes paid by an insurance company for a state contract. Mr Craxi, the most eminent politician to go for trial since Italy's corruption scandals erupted two years ago, denies all charges.