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Berlusconi collapses during rally Berlusconi collapses during rally
(10 minutes later)
Former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi has been taken ill during a speech to supporters in northern Italy.Former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi has been taken ill during a speech to supporters in northern Italy.
Mr Berlusconi, 70, slumped at the podium while delivering a speech at a centre-right rally in Tuscany.Mr Berlusconi, 70, slumped at the podium while delivering a speech at a centre-right rally in Tuscany.
Television pictures showed him closing his eyes while talking and slowly collapsing into the arms of his aides.Television pictures showed him closing his eyes while talking and slowly collapsing into the arms of his aides.
Twice prime minister, Mr Berlusconi has been leader of the opposition since losing power in elections in April.Twice prime minister, Mr Berlusconi has been leader of the opposition since losing power in elections in April.
Mr Berlusconi - Italy's richest man - went on trial last week for alleged fraud and money laundering and could face up to 12 years in jail if convicted. He denies all charges against him.Mr Berlusconi - Italy's richest man - went on trial last week for alleged fraud and money laundering and could face up to 12 years in jail if convicted. He denies all charges against him.
The trial is due to resume in Milan on Monday.The trial is due to resume in Milan on Monday.
Several members of Mr Berlusconi's entourage rushed to his aid but he was unable to stand up and had to be carried out of the room.Several members of Mr Berlusconi's entourage rushed to his aid but he was unable to stand up and had to be carried out of the room.
An ambulance arrived at the centre and a nurse said Mr Berlusconi received treatment.An ambulance arrived at the centre and a nurse said Mr Berlusconi received treatment.
A spokesman for Mr Berlusconi said the former prime minister was now on the mend and that he had been overcome by the heat and emotion. Shortly after he collapsed, former lower house speaker Irene Pivetti told the audience that Mr Berlusconi was recovering.
"He felt unwell due to the tension, he is very sorry and wants to continue but the doctor has told him not to," Ms Pivetti said.
A spokesman for Mr Berlusconi said he had been overcome by heat and emotion but was on the mend.