Italy faces anarchist attacks on its embassies worldwide

(Patria) - Italian embassies around the world are at risk of anarchist attacks related to the case of Alfredo Cospito, who is on a hunger strike, stated the Minister of Foreign Affairs Antonio Tajani on Tuesday.

Cospito (55) is an Italian anarchist who has been on a hunger strike for more than 100 days to protest his detention under the strict isolation regime of "41 bis", Reuters reports.

"We are increasing security at all our embassies and consulates because international anarchists are currently mobilized against the Italian state," Tajani told a press conference in Rome.

In December, a Greek anarchist group claimed responsibility for a firebomb 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 noted that numerous other attacks, acts of vandalism, and demonstrations have occurred since November.

Italian embassies, consulates, or cultural institutes have been targeted in Bolivia, Chile, Argentina, Brazil, Spain, Germany, and Switzerland, he said. Cospito was transferred on Monday from a prison in Sardinia to a prison in Milan with better health facilities, as requested by the national prisoners' ombudsman.

The prisoner, who has lost more than 40 kg and is reportedly so weak that he struggles to walk and keep warm, survives on water, sugar, and honey. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's right-wing government has rejected easing his detention regime, saying it cannot give in to threats or acts of terrorism. The "41 bis" regime, otherwise reserved for high-ranking mafia bosses, is designed to prevent prisoners from communicating with associates outside. Cospito was placed under the regime in May, after writing articles from prison calling on fellow anarchists to continue their armed struggle. He is serving a sentence for shooting a nuclear energy manager in 2012 and a double bombing of a police academy in 2016, in which no one was injured. Cospito was sentenced to 30 years in prison, but prosecutors have appealed for a life sentence without parole.