Italian PM Silvio Berlusconi, Punched in the Face by Massimo Tartaglia, 42, As He Signed Autographs After Rally in Milan (VIDEO)

Italian Premier Silvio Berlusconi was reportedly either hit in the face with a statuette or punched by Massimo Tartagilia, 42, at a rally in Milan. State television showed Berlusconi with blood on his life as he was lifted to his feet by his aides. He was whisked away by car shortly thereafter. He Berlusconi suffered a "small fracture" of the nose, two broken teeth and an injury to the inside and outside of his lip, said Paolo Klun, chief spokesman for Milan's San Raffaele Hospital.

The incident occurred after the premier delivered a long, rousing speech to his conservative supporters Sunday evening. The protester hit Berlusconi with either his fist or a blunt object as the Prime Minister signed autographs outside the Piazza del Duomo. It's troublesome, nonetheless, that his handlers allowed him to get so close to the masses. The man was arrested at the scene.

Why am I not surprised that he was punched in the face? Well, this is further proof that many people in Italy are unhappy with his performance and the many news items that have pointed to a messy divorce, an investigation and other issues. You will also recall that this man is a gaffe-machine who puts his foot in his mouth every chance he gets. Still, no head of state deserves this. Tartagilia has been treated for mental issues over the last 10 years.


Photo credit: Silvio Berlusconi's bloody face, Reuters