The Ex-Worker

Italian anarchist prisoner Alfredo Cospito has been on hunger strike for over 100 days, demanding his release from the brutal regime of solitary confinement and severe restrictions known as “41bis.” Despite the mobilization of anarchist and radical networks across Italy in solidarity, as well as actions in support across the world, the Italian state stubbornly refuses to acknowledge his protest, and Alfredo’s life is in severe danger. In this episode, we share three short pieces that introduce you to Alfredo Cospito, explain the context behind the hunger strike and the repressive prison regime in Italy, and describe anarchist efforts to challenge the state’s attempt to bury our comrade. We open with a short solidarity statement about the case, along with a translation of a statement by Italian philosopher Donatella Di Cesare titled “Release Alfredo Now—It’s a Question of Justice.” The episode concludes with an interview with a friend from Rome who locates the hunger strike and solidarity efforts in a broader context of anarchist activity in Italy and beyond. {February 9, 2023}

-------SHOW NOTES------

• Table of Contents:
  • Ex-Worker Introduction {0:01}
  • Episode Introduction {0:37}
  • Solidarity with Alfredo Cospito {2:27}
  • Release Alfredo Now—It’s a Question of Justice {8:30}
  • Interview with Alfredo Cospito Supporter in Rome {16:14}
  • Conclusion {30:10}

• This episode includes an audio version of Solidarity with Alfredo Cospito, originally published February 3, 2023. The text includes a translation of an article by philosopher Donatella di Cesare.

• Learn more about Alfredo Cospito and his hunger strike through the following resources: Autonomies article from December; “Scripta Manent: a Political Trial against 20 Years of History of Revolutionary Anarchism” (about Alfredo’s trial and broader background); writings by Alfredo on The Anarchist Library, a June 2022 interview and dialogue with Alfredo, global solidarity statements, and Alfredo’s support page.