Italian prison unions flag severe staffing and communication failures

The prison‑staff union CO.S.P. Coordinamento Sindacale Penitenziario submitted a formal complaint to the Sicilian prison authority over the Casa Circondariale di Barcellona Pozzo di Gotto. The union alleges that officers were forced to work 10 extra hours beyond the legally mandated six‑hour shift, violating DPR 254/99 and EU labour standards, and that basic provisions such as fresh drinking water were lacking during extreme summer heat.

Separately, the Uil FP Polizia Penitenziaria, represented by secretary Fabio Pagani, reported that the Marassi prison in Genoa has been isolated for days because its telephone system is completely out of service. Pagani said, “Da giorni contattare il carcere di Genova Marassi è impossibile,” adding that the issue persisted despite prior warnings after the June 2025 riot. Both unions are demanding urgent investigations and corrective actions from the Ministry of Justice.