Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi is set to leave the hospital just three days after being attacked at a rally in Milan. Massimo Tartaglia, 42, threw a heavy figurine at the prime minister’s head, breaking multiple teeth and fracturing his nose. Tartaglia was immediately arrested and is now sitting in prison.

Rome, Italy (CNN) — Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi should be released from hospital Wednesday, three days after he was attacked in the face at a public rally in Milan, his personal doctor told Italy’s ANSA news agency Tuesday.

Berlusconi, 73, should refrain from public activities for two weeks after his release, Alberto Zangrillo said…

Zangrillo said he doesn’t believe Berlusconi will suffer permanent scars and that his teeth can be reconstructed.

Berlusconi’s recovery will take another 25 days, Interior Minister Roberto Maroni told Italy’s Lower Chamber of Deputies.

Tartaglia was carrying other objects beside the souvenir replica of Duomo di Milan, the city of Milan’s cathedral, including pepper spray and a large crucifix. Police say that indicates the attack was premeditated.

Unfortunately, the government of Italy is considering wrong-headed retaliation.

There has been a climate of hatred against Berlusconi in recent months, Maroni said, with many anti-Berlusconi Web pages. Maroni said he is thinking of introducing regulations to block them.

Just to be clear, he’s considering introducing legislation that blocks websites that criticize the Italian prime minister. Now granted, Italy doesn’t exactly have the best record when it comes to free speech. They tried Oriana Fallaci for criticizing Islam in one of her books. But this suggestion of shutting down vocal opposition to the chief executive? That just tramples all over the freedom.

Especially considering that Berlusconi faces trial for tax fraud. Now, they may well be charges motivated by politics. It’s certainly not unheard of. But the public should be allowed to express their own opinions on the matter, as well as his governing record overall.