European Central Bank's Draghi hit by confetti protest Published duration 15 April 2015

media caption Protester jumps on the desk in front of Mario Draghi

A confetti-throwing protester has disrupted a European Central Bank (ECB) news conference, rushing on stage and screaming "end ECB dictatorship".

ECB chief Mario Draghi was delivering his opening remarks when a woman jumped on his desk, throwing paper and confetti at him.

She was restrained by security and the briefing restarted soon after.

Activists have previously targeted the ECB for its role in imposing austerity measures on some European countries.

Mr Draghi looked shocked during the incident, but later made light of it, joking he "would have to improvise" unless he found his script.

Sweeping confetti off his desk, he went on to say the eurozone economy was recovering thanks to a huge bond-buying plan

image copyright Reuters image caption The ECB has been targeted by activists over its austerity policies before

image copyright Reuters image caption Mr Draghi raised his hands to protect himself but was unhurt by the protest

image copyright AFP image caption The woman yelled "end ECB dictatorship" after jumping on stage

image copyright Reuters image caption She was quickly detained by security officers

image copyright AP image caption The conference later resumed with Mr Draghi commenting on interest rates