Tens of thousands of Italians have protested in Rome against what they say are threats to press freedom by Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi.
They say his decision to sue newspapers for their coverage of the prime minister's alleged scandals involving young women reveals his contempt for free speech.
Demonstrators also allege Mr Berlusconi has too much control over the media.
Mr Berlusconi called the protest a farce, saying press freedom was greater in Italy than in any other Western nation.
