Italy might shut down Facebook in regard to the recent attack on the Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi.

Italy’s government will discuss measures to block websites that incite violence, after more than 300 groups on Facebook praised the man who attacked the Italian Prime Minister.

“We will discuss measure to shut down all Web pages that violate the law at the next Cabinet meeting on Dec. 17,” said interior Minister Roberto Maroni.

Mr. Berlusconi is being treated for a fractured nose, two damaged teeth and cut to his lips.

Police have detained Massimo Tartaglia, 42, in connection with the assault. He has been undergoing psychiatric treatment for 10 years.

Facebook fan page of Massimo Tartaglia was created and has so far attracted more than 72,000 members.

Another group “Let’s Kill Berlusconi” attracted almost 17,000 members on the world’s most popular social-networking site in October.

This is the second time Mr Berlusconi has been attacked in public. In 2004 he was hit over the head with a camera tripod while strolling in Rome.

[Source: Bloomberg News]