Italian FM warns embassies of risk of attacks by international anarchists

Published on: 02/01/2023 – 03:45

Cospito, 55, is an Italian anarchist who has been on a hunger strike for more than 100 days to protest his imprisonment under the strict “41 bis” solitary confinement regime.

“We are strengthening security in all our embassies and consulates because at this moment international anarchists are mobilized against the Italian state,” Tajani told a press conference in Rome.

In December, a Greek anarchist group claimed responsibility for an arson attack outside the home of an Italian diplomat, calling it an act of solidarity with Cospito.

Tajani called it the most serious incident to date, but said many other attacks, vandalism and protests have taken place since November.

Italian embassies, consulates or cultural institutes have been targeted in Bolivia, Chile, Argentina, Brazil, Spain, Germany and Switzerland, he said.

On Monday, Cospito was transferred from a prison in Sardinia to another in Milan with better health facilities, as requested by the national prisoner ombudsman.

The prisoner, who has lost more than 40 kg (88 lbs) and is said to be so weak he is struggling to walk and keep warm, is surviving on water, sugar and honey.

The right-wing government of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has ruled out a relaxation of its detention regime, saying it cannot give in to threats or acts of terrorism.

The “41 bis”, normally reserved for top mob bosses, is designed to prevent inmates from communicating with outside affiliates.

Cospito was placed under the regime in May, after writing articles from prison calling on his fellow anarchists to continue their armed struggle.

He is serving time for a non-fatal shooting of a nuclear energy official in 2012 and a double bombing of a police academy in 2016, which left no one injured.

Cospito was sentenced to 30 years in prison, but prosecutors appealed for a life sentence without the possibility of parole.

(Reuters)