Who’s laughing now?

The week's news at a glance.

Rome

Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi this week delivered an impassioned tirade against comedians who have been mocking him on a new satirical TV show. Lamenting what he called “a systematic attack against the government and the prime minister,” Berlusconi proceeded to read a list of seven TV personalities who he said have been making fun of him. Since Berlusconi owns or otherwise controls most television stations in the country, his pan means the jobs of the seven could be in jeopardy. The last time Berlusconi read such a list, a comedian and two journalists soon disappeared from the airwaves.

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