Police stop man from reaching Berlusconi's room
Italian premier is recovering in Milan hospital after Sunday attack
Last Updated: Wednesday, December 16, 2009 | 12:20 PM ET
CBC News
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This video image shows Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi sitting in his vehicle after an attacker hurled a statuette, striking the leader in the face at the end of a rally in Milan on Sunday. (Associated Press/RAI TG3 via APTN) Police are questioning a young man with mental problems who managed to reach the Milan hospital floor where Italian Premier Silvio Berlusconi is recovering from an attack.
A Milan anti-terrorism police official said the 26-year-old Turin man was apparently a supporter of Berlusconi who "wanted to pay a visit on the premier at 2 a.m." on Wednesday. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak with reporters.
The man was unarmed when he reached the floor of Milan's San Raffaele Hospital where Berlusconi was recovering, the official said. A search of the man's parked car found "hockey sticks and kitchen knives," the official said, but the man apparently plays hockey.
He will be cited for transporting the knives without justification, the official said, but police are planning on releasing him.
Court denies transfer to suspected assailant
Berlusconi, 73, is recovering after he was struck in the face with a thrown sculpture on Sunday as he signed autographs in Milan. The attack left him with a fractured nose and broken teeth.
Police arrested Massimo Tartaglia, 42, in connection with the assault. Officials say Tartaglia has been undergoing psychiatric treatment for several years but has no criminal record.
A Milan judge on Wednesday denied a request of Tartaglia's lawyers to transfer their client from San Vittore prison to the psychiatric ward of a hospital, the Italian ANSA news agency said.
Berlusconi spokesperson Paolo Bonaiuti said Wednesday that Berlusconi's pain had "sharpened" a bit, and that an old neck problem was also causing him pain. Bonaiuti said U.S. President Barack Obama called Tuesday night to offer get-well wishes.
Doctors say in the latest medical bulletin that Berlusconi will stay in the hospital at least until Thursday. They have also ordered him to cancel or reduce public appearances for at least the next two weeks.
With files from The Associated PressShare Tools
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