Silvio Berlusconi thanked his supporters from a Milan hospital today, encouraging them to remain calm in his first statement since the attack that broke his nose and two teeth. "Sincere thanks to the very many who have sent me messages of solidarity and affection," the Italian PM's statement said. "I say again that everyone should stay calm and secure. Love always triumphs over envy and hate."
Doctors have recommended that Berlusconi convalesce for 2 weeks because the PM lost a pint of blood in the attack, but aides said he may be back sooner. Meanwhile, Berlusconi detractors have praised the attacker on social-networking websites—prompting the government to promise a crackdown. The interior minister says the government plans to block social-networking groups and independent websites that "encourage violence" by applauding the attack.
(More Berlusconi assaulted stories.)