Genoa's Marassi Prison Roof Protest Highlights Italy's Overcrowded Prison Crisis

A detainee at Genoa's Marassi prison climbed onto the roof in protest, remaining there for about eight hours before voluntarily descending after negotiations by prison police. The incident concluded without injuries or the use of force. The Sappe union, representing prison police, said the situation was “constantly monitored by the prison police” and praised the negotiators for resolving the crisis peacefully.

The protest underscored chronic problems in Italy’s penitentiary system. Sappe officials pointed to chronic overcrowding at Marassi—around 150 inmates over its regulated capacity—staff shortages, and the heightened risk of critical incidents. Similar concerns were raised for other facilities: Milan’s San Vittore prison is operating at 220% capacity, while other Lombardy prisons exceed 120%; Potenza prison reported increasing threats against staff; and a series of violent episodes in Turin highlighted worsening safety conditions. Union leaders called for immediate government action, demanding more personnel, better facilities, and structural reforms to address the systemic crisis.

Overall, the rooftop protest served as a flashpoint for broader calls to improve prison conditions and ensure the safety of both inmates and prison staff across Italy.