Berlusconi gets a camera tripod round his ear on walkabout

international | anti-capitalism | other press Saturday January 01, 2005 17:12 by ared dred

Reuters Newswire [UK]
December 31st, 2004

ROME (Reuters) - Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi was slightly injured Friday when a tourist threw a camera tripod at him in a packed Rome square, an official from the prime minister's party said.

Berlusconi was hit behind the ear by the tripod during an impromptu walkabout in Piazza Navona shortly after sunset. The official said Berlusconi was bruised in the attack and had seen a doctor as a precautionary measure.

ANSA news agency said the assailant was a 28-year old bricklayer from northern Italy who was in Rome for the New Year holiday. He was seized immediately after the assault.

"I did it because I hate him," ANSA quoted the man as telling police. "I certainly didn't plan this, but when I saw him there greeting the crowds, I couldn't stop myself," he added.