In Italy, tens of thousands of people have staged a rally in Rome in support of Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi ahead of regional elections this month. Mr Berlusconi's People of Freedom party (PDL) was blocked from the key Rome vote after failing to register on time. <br/> <br/>A string of sex and corruption scandals have weighed heavily on Mr Berlusconi in the past 12 months. The latest is accusations that he was trying to block political talk shows on television critical of his government. He also faces two trials for tax fraud and bribery. Mr Berlusconi denies any wrong doing. <br/> <br/>Addressing the crowd from a stage emblazoned with the party's new slogan "Love conquers hatred and envy" Mr Berlusconi launched a blistering attack on his political enemies. He also decried, what he said, were dirty tricks to exclude his party from the election race, and said he wanted to preserve freedom and democracy for Italy. <br/><br/>