SAWT BEIRUT INTERNATIONAL

| 28 March 2024, Thursday |

Italy facing attacks by international anarchists, foreign minister says

The case of the hunger-striking Alfredo Cospito puts Italian embassies around the world at danger of anarchist attacks, according to Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani on Tuesday.

Cospito, a 55-year-old Italian anarchist, has been fasting for more than 100 days in protest against his imprisonment in solitary confinement under the harsh “41 bis” rule.

Tajani stated during a news conference in Rome that “international anarchists are currently mobilized against the Italian state, thus we are boosting security in all of our embassies and consulates.”

The case of the hunger-striking Alfredo Cospito puts Italian embassies around the world at danger of anarchist attacks, according to Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani on Tuesday.

Cospito, a 55-year-old Italian anarchist, has been fasting for more than 100 days in protest against his imprisonment in solitary confinement under the harsh “41 bis” rule.

Tajani stated during a news conference in Rome that “international anarchists are currently mobilized against the Italian state, thus we are boosting security in all of our embassies and consulates.”

On Monday, Cospito was moved from a prison in Sardinia to one in Milan with better healthcare facilities, as had been asked by the national ombudsman for prisoners.

The prisoner, who has lost more than 40 kg (88 lb) and is reportedly so weak that he struggles to walk and keep warm, is surviving on water, sugar and honey.

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s right-wing government has ruled out easing his detention regime, saying it cannot give in to threats or acts of terrorism.

The “41 bis,” which is often only given to the highest Mafia bosses, is meant to keep inmates from speaking with their associates outside of the prison walls.

After writing articles from behind bars encouraging his fellow anarchists to continue their armed fight, Cospito was put under the regime in May.

He is in prison for the non-fatal shooting of a nuclear energy manager in 2012 and the no-injury double bombing of a police school in 2016.

Cospito was given a sentence of 30 years in prison, but the prosecution has filed an appeal to have it changed to a life sentence without the possibility of release.

    Source:
  • Reuters