16 Dec 2009

Websites to be screened after Berlusconi attack

8:17 pm on 16 December 2009

Italy plans to introduce laws to black out hate sites on the internet after a weekend assault on Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi.

He has a broken nose, fractured teeth and gashed lips after a man threw a souvenir at him in Milan on Sunday.

In his first public message since going into hospital, Mr Berlusconi urged people to stay calm, saying love wins over hatred.

The attack on Mr Berlusconi, 73, has prompted lawmakers to look at ways to protect citizens and leaders.

Interior Minister Roberto Maroni says the Cabinet will this week look at obscuring websites or social network groups that incite violence.

New rules for gatherings in public places are also being considered, with Mr Maroni saying there is a risk of copycat attacks.