Tens of thousands of people, including journalists and media rights activists, gathered in a Rome square today to defend press freedom, accusing premier Silvio Berlusconi of trying to silence critical voices.

Former Italian premier Silvio Berlusconi, undergoing heart tests after fainting during a rally, will be discharged from a Milan hospital today, his doctor says.

Former Italian premier Silvio Berlusconi, who has been undergoing heart tests after fainting during a rally, will be discharged from a Milan hospital tomorrow, his doctor said.

Former Premier Silvio Berlusconi, who was hospitalised for tests after he fainted during a rally, will stay in the hospital for a couple more days, doctors and friends of the media mogul said today.

Former Italian Premier Silvio Berlusconi, who was rushed to hospital for tests after he fainted during a rally, has no intention of leaving politics, his spokesman said today.

CENTRE-LEFT challenger Romano Prodi yesterday claimed an outright electoral victory yesterday over Italian Premier Silvio Berlusconi.

Italy’s parliament today appeared to be heading for an unprecedented split between the conservative coalition led by Premier Silvio Berlusconi and one led by his centre-left challenger.

FINLAND yesterday summoned the Italian ambassador to protest about comments made by Italian Premier Silvio Berlusconi about Finnish President Tarja Halonen.

A MASSIVE blackout in Italy, which left millions of people without power, stranding planes and trains, and leading to traffic accidents was last night blamed on a tree.

A massive power blackout which crippled Italy and left most of its 57 million people without electricity for hours was today blamed ... on a tree.

Billionaire Italian Premier Silvio Berlusconi today filed a €14m slander lawsuit against an opposition leader over comments he made about an alleged kickback scandal.