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| Berlusconi collapses during rally | Berlusconi collapses during rally |
| (40 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 at a rally in Tuscany and collapsed into the arms of his aides. | |
| He was examined by a doctor, and a spokesman later said Mr Berlusconi had struggled with the heat and suffered a drop in blood pressure. | |
| 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. |
| Shortly after he collapsed, former lower house speaker Irene Pivetti told the audience that Mr Berlusconi was recovering. | 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. | "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. |