Yahoo 7 News MILAN (Reuters) - Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi was taken to hospital with blood smeared over his face after a man hurled a small model of Milan cathedral at him at a political rally, police said on Sunday.
Television footage showed the premier with blood splattered over his lips, teeth and chin being bundled into a car by aides and rushed away, minutes after finishing a lively speech to thousands of flag-waving supporters in a central Milan square.Initial X-rays showed a loss of blood and injuries to two teeth but the 73-year-old prime minister and media mogul said "I'm fine, I'm fine" when he was moved to a hospital room in the northern city, Ansa news agency said.
A 42-year-old man was detained for throwing a small model of Milan cathedral at Berlusconi from close range, police said. The man has been undergoing treatment for mental problems for the past 10 years, Ansa said.
Berlusconi's allies were quick to say the incident was the result of a campaign of "hatred" by his leftist opponents. He has faced growing criticism in recent months amid mounting legal troubles and scandals over his private life.
Posts
