Italian defence minister manhandles reporter

Italy's defence minister on Wednesday manhandled a journalist who tried to ask Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi a question at a news conference, pushing him brusquely back into his seat.

Freelancer Rocco Carlomagno had shouted a question about Berlusconi's embattled public safety chief Guido Bertolaso from the back row without awaiting his turn.

Berlusconi showed irritation and called Carlomagno a "boor" before Defence Minister Ignazio La Russo left the podium to subdue the journalist, saying: "Behave, you lout!"

When Carlomagno tried again some minutes later to ask his question about corruption allegations weighing on Bertolaso, Berlusconi asked him his name, then said: "Mr. Bertolaso will be able to sue you. Shame on you!"

Carlomagno told reporters afterward that he would lodge a complaint against La Russo for "aggression".