A little-known Greek anarchist group claimed responsibility for the arson attack on an Italian diplomat’s car at her Athens home.
In a statement posted on a far-left website Thursday, a group calling itself “Revenge Cell Carlo Giuliani” said it carried out last Friday’s attack. They said it was a show of solidarity for Alfredo Cospito, an imprisoned Italian militant anarchist on hunger strike over prison conditions.
Carlo Giuliani, an anti-global protester, died during protests against a G8 meeting in Genoa in 2001. His name has been used before in claims of responsibility for arson attacks in Greece.
Anarchist support for Cospito
Friday’s attack targeted the car of Susanna Schlein, a career diplomat and the sister of prominent Italian lawmaker Elly Schlein. Fortunately, there were no injuries. Fire service officials said a crude incendiary device exploded in the garage of the diplomat’s home. It burned one car and damaged a second.
It followed protests by Greek anarchist groups in support of Cospito.
In Turin, site of a hearing, a protest in support of Cospito turned to vandalism and violence.
After Friday’s arson attack, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani met with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. They discussed the incident on the sidelines of a meeting near Athens of European centre-right political parties.
The Greek Foreign Ministry said last week that the “reprehensible” attack would “in no way disturb the excellent relations and long-standing bonds of friendship between Greece and its partner and ally, Italy.”
