His title of senator for life shielded him from Chilean justice.

But Monti does not need to be elected to qualify to become prime minister because he was appointed a senator for life last year.

Upon Carlo was conferred the order of "Knight of San Stefano," and Messer Bartolommeo, his father, was enrolled as a senator for life.

Mr Andreotti (85), who still serves in parliament as a senator for life, was first formally accused of having colluded with the Mafia in 1993.

Under the constitution, former presidents already receive broad immunity from prosecution as senators for life.

Congo's constitution already confers broad immunity from prosecution for ex-presidents, who are considered senators for life.

The group also wants outgoing Prime Minister Mario Monti to resign his position as Senator for life.