In a new report on Italy, the anti-torture Committee (CPT) has recommended ending the court-imposed measure of solitary confinement (“isolamento diurno”) for prisoners serving life sentences. The CPT also calls on the authorities to provide inmates with a minimum range of purposeful activities as well as improving conditions in cells and communal areas. The report also describes a number of cases of ill-treatment of prisoners by staff and recommends that prison management exercises better staff oversight and investigates all allegations of ill-treatment.
The CPT also noted the steady increase of the overall Italian prison population since its visit in 2016. The Italian authorities must ensure that all prisoners are provided with at least 4m2 of living space each in multi-occupancy cells and promote more non-custodial measures.
The report describes several cases of physical ill-treatment of inmates by staff involving kicks, punches and hits with truncheons in places not covered by CCTV (Closed Circuit Television). The Committee found entries in the medical files of the inmates concerned, which were consistent with their allegations of ill-treatment.
In terms of prison conditions, the CPT observed dilapidated and unhygienic common shower facilities, austerely-designed courtyards and in some cases poor quality food. They also found a poor understanding by prison staff of the concept of “dynamic security” which requires the development of constructive relations between staff and inmates, rather than the current “key-holding” function of custodial staff.
