Prison Suicides Reach Alarming 24 in Italy Following Three Incidents in One Day

Rome: There have been 24 suicides in Italy’s prisons so far this year after three inmates took their own lives in jails in Avellino, Genoa, and Trieste on Sunday, penitentiary police union SPP said on Monday. The union expressed concern that, at this rate, last year’s record of 91 prison suicides will be surpassed by 2025, highlighting issues of overcrowding in Italy’s jails.

According to Ansa News Agency, SPP Chief Aldo Di Giacomo emphasized that prison deaths should not be considered ordinary events. He noted a 40% increase in suicides among inmates with mental health issues and those struggling with drug addiction, who represent about a third of the prison population. Di Giacomo criticized the State’s inability to ensure the safety of both inmates and prison personnel, who face daily challenges.

Di Giacomo advocated for alternative measures to incarceration that not only prevent recidivism but also assist in societal reintegration. He insisted these approaches are a Constitutional obligation rather than
mere acts of leniency. He called for effective tools, funding, and cooperation between local authorities and the penitentiary administration to address the crisis.