Le Sughere prison visit highlights overcrowding in Livorno

A delegation of young members from the Democratic Party (PD) and Italia Viva visited the Le Sughere prison in Livorno as part of the ‘#Dimenticat3’ campaign. Accompanied by prisoner ombudsman Marco Solimano and Tuscany Regional Vice President Mia Diop, the group inspected the facility to assess daily living and working conditions.

The visit highlighted severe overcrowding in the medium-security section, which currently holds nearly 180 inmates despite having only 134 regulated spots. This congestion was reportedly exacerbated by the transfer of over 80 detainees from Sollicciano.

Observers noted significant structural deficiencies, including a lack of common areas and gym facilities, forcing some rehabilitative activities to take place in corridors. While the closure of the former transit zone was noted as a positive step toward improving dignity and safety, the conditions for semi-liberty detainees and those under Article 21 were described as undignified, with some cells containing up to six beds. The delegation emphasized that addressing these issues requires more than just increasing capacity; it necessitates resources, personnel, and a comprehensive strategic vision.