Sentences reduced for ex-Berlusconi aides in sex-for-hire case

Silvio Berlusconi near Milan, Italy, on May 9, 2014. (AP / Antonio Calanni)

MILAN, Italy -- A Milan appeals court has reduced the sentences of three former aides to Silvio Berlusconi for their roles in procuring prostitutes for the ex-premier's infamous Bunga-Bunga parties.

The court Thursday modified the convictions against former TV executive Emilio Fede and talent agent Dario Moro from forcing women into prostitution to attempting to force them. Originally sentenced to seven years each, Fede's term was reduced to four years and 10 months and Moro's to six years and one month, including a conviction on business dealings.

Nicole Minetti, a former regional politician who professed love for the ex-premier, had two years shaved off her five-year sentence for abetting prostitution.

Lawyers for all three say they will appeal the sentences and the convictions to Italy's highest court.