Italy: Silvio Berlusconi Attacked
Silvio Berluscon - Italian Premier who was attacked yesterday evening
Italian Prime Minister, Silvio Berlusconi (73) was yesterday attacked at a political meeting in Milan by a man who, according to eyewitnesses, hit the Italian premier in the face with a small statuette.
Berlusconi awoke this morning in hospital, after reportedly suffering a fractured tooth and a broken nose.
The suspect was immediately arrested and has already been named as Massimo Tartaglia, 42.
The Berlusconi camp were fast to ensure that reports of the incident highlighted Tartaglia’s “history of mental illness” which was included in the AFP news release – issued within minutes of the incident occurring in Milan’s central square yesterday afternoon.
The local police confirmed that the man responsible had no criminal record but had suffered psychological problems in the past.
A member of Berlusconi’s party interviewed for Italy’s Sky TG24 told how “[the attack was] the act of a psychologically unstable person”.
Reports over the incident itself also differ dramatically: some claim the attack was a punch, others that Berlusconi was struck with a small statue and further reports suggest the statue was thrown.
Several commentators have expressed surprise at the speed with which the mental history of the alleged attacker made their way into news releases and, consequently, the mainstream media. Questions have also been raised over the fact the attacker has been publicly named before any charges have been brought or any court appearance has been made, or even found to be required.
Berlusconi is said to be recovering in hospital in Milan.
Related Stories from the Past Month:
- Fair Trade Wine – Why it’s good for the Wine Industry!
- Democratic Republic of Congo: Mass Rape in North Kivu
- UK: Allied Glass Factory Fire
- Athletics: Usain Bolt Out Until 2011 With Back Injury
- Global Financial Crisis creating support for less Expensive Wine
Posted by Robin Scott
on Mon, 14 Dec 2009 09:28:07. Click Here to Subscribe to Robin Scott by RSS. Filed under News, Politics.
You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0.
You can leave a response or trackback to this entry
