A nighttime disturbance occurred at the Italian Consulate General building on Aribau Street in Barcelona when five hooded individuals forced entry and caused damage to the main entrance. The incident unfolded around 10 PM on a Friday, during which the attackers smashed the glass doors, scattered cans of red paint, and daubed a mural by sculptor Josep Maria Subirachs on the façade with the phrases Estat italià assassini and Llibertat Cóspito. The event was captured by a security camera positioned at the entrance, providing clear documentation of the vandalism.
Local authorities from the Mossos d’Esquadra launched an immediate investigation to identify the individuals responsible and to determine their motives. In parallel, representatives from the national police arrived the following morning to collect statements and assess the circumstances surrounding the attack. The episode marks a continuation of public demonstrations directed at the building, which houses the Italian Consulate General in Barcelona. In recent weeks, several protests have expressed support for Alfredo Cóspito, an anarchist who has reportedly been on a hunger strike for two months in protest of the Italian prison system. The demonstrations have drawn involvement from labor unions, including the General Confederation of Labour CGT, and related solidarity actions.
Reports indicate that this incident did not occur in isolation. A separate event in Berlin involved the arson of a vehicle connected to an Italian embassy official. The Italian Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, acknowledged the incidents with a statement emphasizing concern and a call for calm and safety, noting that the Barcelona vandalism and the Berlin arson reflect troubling disruptions to diplomatic premises. In Berlin, the Italian government spokesperson attributed the act to a violation of the consulate’s premises and condemned the vandalism, while promising a coordinated diplomatic response.
As the investigation proceeds, authorities are reviewing security footage and gathering eyewitness accounts to piece together the sequence of events and identify any links to wider protests or coordinated actions. The Barcelona case has sparked discussions about the protection of diplomatic facilities in major urban centers and the balance between public demonstrations and the safety of official properties. Local residents and business owners near the Consulate have expressed concern about potential repeat incidents and the impact on daily activities around the area. Reports from municipal observers note that policing plans for the neighborhood will be reassessed in light of the incident to ensure a prompt response to any new threats while preserving the rights of peaceful demonstrators.
Elaborating on the international response, Italian authorities have stressed the seriousness with which they view any damage to diplomatic missions. They are coordinating with Spanish authorities to share information and enhance protective measures for consular sites in Spain and across Europe. The broader conversation touches on how governments can uphold the integrity of international diplomacy while allowing legitimate public expression. The case continues to unfold as investigators gather further evidence, interview witnesses, and monitor related activities that may illuminate the broader context of these disruptive actions.
In Barcelona, observers note the significance of the Subirachs sculpture as a cultural symbol and a focal point for conversations about urban art, protest, and the responsibilities that accompany publicly displayed works. The incident has renewed interest in the history of the site and its role as a hub for international diplomacy within the city. Authorities are urging anyone with additional information to come forward while ensuring that tips are handled confidentially and efficiently to expedite the investigation.
Civic leaders emphasize the importance of peaceful dialogue in addressing grievances and concerns about policy, justice systems, and the treatment of political prisoners. The evolving situation underscores the need for cooperation between police forces, local communities, and international partners to safeguard cultural and diplomatic assets without stifling lawful expression. As developments continue, the public is reminded to rely on official briefings for accurate details and to avoid spreading unverified information that could fuel rumors or escalate tensions. Attribution for information in this report comes from official statements and corroborated security footage provided by authorities and participating institutions.