Messina prison revolt injures six guards

On 6 July 2026, four inmates serving under the 14‑bis regime at the Gazzi prison in Messina staged an organized revolt. Taking advantage of a return from the yard and a phone call, they surrounded the on‑duty inspector, used fire extinguishers to create smoke, and physically assaulted staff, including kicking the prison police commander. Six members of the Polizia Penitenziaria were wounded and required medical treatment. The episode follows a similar attack on a guard three days earlier.

Regional prison union SINAPPE described the violence as “unprecedented” and demanded immediate action from the regional prison administration, including the possible transfer of the responsible inmates. Senator Dafne Musolino expressed solidarity with the injured officers and called on the government to adopt urgent counter‑measures.

The incident underscores longstanding concerns about staffing shortages, structural deficits, and security management within Italy’s prison system.