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Berlusconi to remain in hospital Berlusconi to remain in hospital
(about 1 hour later)
Italian PM Silvio Berlusconi will stay in hospital at least until Tuesday after having his nose broken by an attacker, doctors say.Italian PM Silvio Berlusconi will stay in hospital at least until Tuesday after having his nose broken by an attacker, doctors say.
A medical bulletin reported in the Italian media said Mr Berlusconi was able to eat, but only with difficulty.A medical bulletin reported in the Italian media said Mr Berlusconi was able to eat, but only with difficulty.
Mr Berlusconi, 73, suffered a broken nose, two broken teeth and a cut lip after being hit with a model of Milan cathedral after a rally in the city.Mr Berlusconi, 73, suffered a broken nose, two broken teeth and a cut lip after being hit with a model of Milan cathedral after a rally in the city.
A 42-year-old man was arrested and has been charged with aggravated assault.A 42-year-old man was arrested and has been charged with aggravated assault.
The suspect, Massimo Tartaglia, is reported as having a history of mental illness. The suspect, Massimo Tartaglia, was said by police to have had a history of mental illness, receiving treatment over a 10-year period.
ANALYSIS Duncan Kennedy, BBC News, RomeANALYSIS Duncan Kennedy, BBC News, Rome
Silvio Berlusconi was effectively mugged in front of his own bodyguards and supporters.Silvio Berlusconi was effectively mugged in front of his own bodyguards and supporters.
That breach of security will, of course, be the subject of a full-scale investigation.That breach of security will, of course, be the subject of a full-scale investigation.
How could anyone, especially someone armed (albeit with the most unorthodox of weapons), get close enough to attack the head of government of a major Western nation?How could anyone, especially someone armed (albeit with the most unorthodox of weapons), get close enough to attack the head of government of a major Western nation?
Berlusconi bloodied but unbowedBerlusconi bloodied but unbowed
The medical bulletin released at midday on Monday said Mr Berlusconi was taking pain killers and antibiotics.The medical bulletin released at midday on Monday said Mr Berlusconi was taking pain killers and antibiotics.
His nose is to be reset and he has been given stitches, though he will not need surgery.His nose is to be reset and he has been given stitches, though he will not need surgery.
Mr Berlusconi's doctor, Alberto Zangrillo, has said it could take a few weeks for the prime minister to fully recover.Mr Berlusconi's doctor, Alberto Zangrillo, has said it could take a few weeks for the prime minister to fully recover.
"I found him shaken, embittered, as if he had been woken from a bad dream really disheartened," he was quoted as saying."I found him shaken, embittered, as if he had been woken from a bad dream really disheartened," he was quoted as saying.
Earlier, Italian news agency Ansa reported that Mr Berlusconi had spent a settled night at the San Raffaele hospital.Earlier, Italian news agency Ansa reported that Mr Berlusconi had spent a settled night at the San Raffaele hospital.
His first request upon waking up in the hospital in Milan was to see some newspapers, the agency said.His first request upon waking up in the hospital in Milan was to see some newspapers, the agency said.
The Italian leader is believed to have been struck full in the face by the souvenir cathedral while signing autographs.The Italian leader is believed to have been struck full in the face by the souvenir cathedral while signing autographs.
DazedDazed
After the attack on Sunday evening the prime minister, looking dazed, was helped to his feet by aides and put in a car.After the attack on Sunday evening the prime minister, looking dazed, was helped to his feet by aides and put in a car.
Italian media reaction In pictures: Attack on BerlusconiItalian media reaction In pictures: Attack on Berlusconi
He got out and tried to climb on the car to show he was all right, before being driven away.He got out and tried to climb on the car to show he was all right, before being driven away.
And upon arrival at the hospital the prime minister, who had blood all over his face, said he was fine.And upon arrival at the hospital the prime minister, who had blood all over his face, said he was fine.
There are said to have been scuffles between hecklers and security staff during the rally and before the attack.There are said to have been scuffles between hecklers and security staff during the rally and before the attack.
At the hospital, Mr Berlusconi's spokesman, Paolo Bonaiuti said he was worried about the "atmosphere of hatred and violence in the air".At the hospital, Mr Berlusconi's spokesman, Paolo Bonaiuti said he was worried about the "atmosphere of hatred and violence in the air".
The attack was condemned by Italian President Giorgio Napolitano, while conservative Gianfranco Fini said: "This is truly a bad day for Italy, and it's the duty of all the political forces to ensure that Italy does not go back to the years of violence."The attack was condemned by Italian President Giorgio Napolitano, while conservative Gianfranco Fini said: "This is truly a bad day for Italy, and it's the duty of all the political forces to ensure that Italy does not go back to the years of violence."
TROUBLED YEAR FOR BERLUSCONI Apr: Criticised for attending birthday party of 18-year-old Noemi Letizia May: Wife Veronica Lario files for divorce July: Embroiled in politics and sex scandal involving escort Patrizia D'AddarioOct: Stripped of immunity from prosecution Nov: Trial for tax fraud resumesDec: Denies accusations of mafia links In pictures: Berlusconi's annus horribilisTROUBLED YEAR FOR BERLUSCONI Apr: Criticised for attending birthday party of 18-year-old Noemi Letizia May: Wife Veronica Lario files for divorce July: Embroiled in politics and sex scandal involving escort Patrizia D'AddarioOct: Stripped of immunity from prosecution Nov: Trial for tax fraud resumesDec: Denies accusations of mafia links In pictures: Berlusconi's annus horribilis
Umberto Bossi, leader of the far-right Northern League, said what had happened was an "act of terrorism" and called the attack "a worrying sign".Umberto Bossi, leader of the far-right Northern League, said what had happened was an "act of terrorism" and called the attack "a worrying sign".
Mr Berlusconi has been under pressure in recent months.Mr Berlusconi has been under pressure in recent months.
His private life has been in the spotlight, amid allegations that he slept with prostitutes, and after his wife filed for divorce.His private life has been in the spotlight, amid allegations that he slept with prostitutes, and after his wife filed for divorce.
He has dismissed accusations of ties to the Mafia, and criminal cases against him have resumed after a law giving him immunity was overturned.He has dismissed accusations of ties to the Mafia, and criminal cases against him have resumed after a law giving him immunity was overturned.
A week ago tens of thousands of people attended an anti-Berlusconi rally in Rome.A week ago tens of thousands of people attended an anti-Berlusconi rally in Rome.


Are you in Italy? What is your reaction to the attack? Does this raise security concerns? Has this changed your view of the prime minister? You can send us your views using the form below.Are you in Italy? What is your reaction to the attack? Does this raise security concerns? Has this changed your view of the prime minister? You can send us your views using the form below.
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