Breaking News Italian PM Berlusconi 'Punched In Face At Rally' VIDEO

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Breaking News Italian PM Berlusconi 'Punched In Face At Rally'


The Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi has been punched in the face at a rally in Milan.The premier was left with blood oozing around his lips after being hit by a young man, according to a policeman.

Berlusconi was bundled into a car and taken to hospital for treatment. One report said Berlusconi collapsed - another that he fell to the ground.

A man has been arrested.

The incident happened after the premier delivered a long, rousing speech to his conservative supporters.

At the beginning of the meeting Berlusconi was heckled and whistled by about 10 members of the audience.

Helped by the sound system at the venue, he drowned them out, and a little later police had to intervene following scuffles between the hecklers and security staff.

Berlusconi, who has come under increasing pressure in recent weeks, on Friday dismissed accusations of mafia ties made by a turncoat criminal at an Italian court earlier this month as "a farce".

And he said he would not bow to pressure to go to the polls early. He began his third stint as prime minister in May 2008.

But a series of allegations about his private life earlier this year, which led to his wife filing for divorce, and his penchant for making controversial public statements have added to the political pressure against him.

Tens of thousands of people demonstrated in the centre of Rome against the PM on December 5 following a call on the internet for a "No Berlusconi Day."

Last Edited by smilesun on 12/13/2009 01:32 PM