Berlusconi Attacked

Video of the attack on Silvio Berlusconi

Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi was struck in the face during a political rally. Here's the video:

Early reports seem to indicate that other than the bruised and bloodied face, Berlusconi is otherwise not badly injured. The attacker reportedly had no criminal record but had a history of mental problems.

UPDATE: Ouch:

The 73-year-old prime minister had suffered what one doctor later called “classic boxer's injuries”. He had a broken nose and cuts on his lips, one of which needed stitches. Two of his teeth were broken and he had a nasty gash just below his left eye. His doctor said he would need about three weeks to recover fully. Mr Berlusconi’s spokesman described him as “tired and suffering”. It was expected that he would leave hospital on Tuesday.

And double ouch:

An inventor and electronic engineer from a town just outside Milan, Mr Tartaglia had been undergoing psychiatric treatment for ten years. Neighbours said he was subject to fits of rage. His father said that the family supported the opposition party, but added: “I am not aware that my son hates the prime minister.”

What the incident has made clear, however, is that plenty of other Italians do. Within hours, some 20,000 people had signed up to Facebook groups lauding Mr Tartaglia as a hero. This is not the first time Mr Berlusconi has been assaulted. Five years ago, during his last government, a man who admitted afterwards that he detested the prime minister, hurled a camera tripod at him in Rome.

Most Italian politicians condemned outright the latest attack. But Antonio Di Pietro, a former prosecutor who leads a small anti-corruption party, said Mr Berlusconi “instigates violence”.