Italian Premier Silvio Berlusconi, 73, was punched in the face at the end of a rally on Sunday. He was hit by a man holding a small statue in his hand. Berlusconi was left with a bloodied mouth and looking stunned, police said.
Berlusconi was attending a rally for a local political ally in Milan at the time. He was shaking hands with supporters when someone in the crowd hit him. His face was cut a bleeding, but he did not lose consciousness.
The attacker was captured and held by police. Police identified him as Massimo Tartaglia, 42. Authorities said that Tartaglia had no prior criminal record.
Silvio Berlusconi is apparently not badly injured. However, his spokesman, speaking from San Raffaele hospital where the premier was taken, told Sky TG24 TV that doctors had decided to keep the premier in the hospital overnight as a precautionary measure, for observation.
Despite a number of controversies, Silvio Berlusconi remains quite popular among Italians. His approval ratings remain well over 50 percent. He won a third term in 2008, and his conservative coalition has control of both the Italian Chamber of Deputies and the Senate.
However, Berlusconi faces trial on tax fraud charges after Italy's highest court struck down an immunity law that shielded him from prosecution. He called the charges politically motivated.
At the same time, his private life has been charged with publicity as well. His wife of 19 years, Veronica Lario, filed for divorce in May, citing infidelity. The divorce followed allegations that an Italian businessman hired escorts for Berlusconi and that the premier had attended the birthday party for an 18-year-old girl. Meanwhile, Berlusconi has denied having any inappropriate relationships.
Written by Michael Santo
HULIQ.com
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