Italy's diplomatic missions in European cities targeted by acts of violence

ROME (AA) - Italian diplomatic missions have been targeted by acts of violence in some European countries, according to a statement by the Italian Foreign Ministry.

The car of a diplomat, Luigi Estero, in Berlin was set on fire, while the windows of the Italian Consulate General building in Barcelona were broken, according to a statement.

Premier Giorgia Meloni said the government was following "with concern and attention these new cases of violence against our functionaries and diplomatic missions."

The Italian news agency ANSA reported both incidents took place on Friday.

There were no reports of injury.

Local media reported that the Chief Public Prosecutor of Rome launched an investigation into the acts of violence against Italian diplomats and missions abroad.

Italian news agency Adnkronos said five people were detained for the act of violence in the Italian Consulate General in Barcelona.

Meanwhile, a diplomat in the Italian mission in Greece was recently subjected to a similar attack.

On Dec. 2, 2022, a parked car being used by Susanna Schlein, the first councilor of the Italian Embassy in Athens, was set on fire by unknown persons.

There were reports that the incident might have been caused by some anarchist groups in Greece.

* Writing by Aysu Bicer in London​​​​​​​