Italian Prison Over Capacity, Discourse Appears To Free 10 Thousand Prisoners

JAKARTA - Italy is likely to free up to about 10,000 people from prison, or about 15% of the total population of inmates, to reduce the density of residents.

Italy's Ministry of Justice said about 10,105 inmates were "potential to qualify" for alternative action other than prison, such as house arrests or probation.

The choice will apply to people whose sentences are final and can no longer be appealed, the remaining sentence is less than 2 years, and there have been no serious disciplinary violations in the last 12 months.

Reported by Reuters on Wednesday, July 16, inmates serving sentences for serious crimes such as terrorism, organized crimes, rape, migrant trafficking, and kidnappings will be excluded, the ministry added.

According to World Prison Brief database, Italy has one of the worst prison densities in Europe, with an occupancy rate of around 122%.

The occupancy rate above 100% shows the prison is occupied beyond its maximum capacity.

Only Cyprus, France, and Turkey have higher scores in Europe, according to the database.

The poor condition of the inmates has attracted attention in Italy following rising suicide cases and complaints about soaring summer temperatures at detention facilities without air conditioning.

However, early release of prisoners is a politically sensitive step. The Ministry of Justice indicated the decision regarding it would not happen overnight.

The ministry stated that it had formed a task force to coordinate with correctional institutions and parole judges to facilitate decisions on individual cases.

This task force will meet every week and report its performance in September.