Schroeder slapper to be prosecuted

Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder’s office filed a criminal complaint today against a 52-year-old unemployed teacher who slapped the German leader in the face at a campaign reception.

The man lunged at Schroeder last night while he met with local activists of his Social Democratic Party before a speech in the western city of Mannheim. The government agency responsible for Schroeder’s security said it was investigating the lapse.