Busto Arsizio prison officer attacked; union declares emergency

A prison officer of the Polizia Penitenziaria was assaulted by an inmate while performing a routine check of cell bars at the Busto Arsizio correctional facility in Lombardy. The incident occurred on 31 July, and a second similar assault was reported shortly thereafter. In both cases, fellow officers intervened and prevented further harm; no details on the victim's condition were released.

The Sindacato Autonomo Polizia Penitenziaria (Sappe) denounced the attacks, describing them as evidence of a growing national emergency for prison staff safety. Union leaders Alfonso Greco and Donato Capece called for an immediate increase in personnel, better protective equipment, and stricter disciplinary measures against inmates who assault officers. They urged the Department of Prison Administration and the Italian government to implement structural reforms to protect prison workers and uphold the authority of the State.