Pisa prison revolt: Four inmates charged after TikTok live stream

Four inmates have been charged as organizers of a violent revolt at the Don Bosco prison in Pisa, Italy, which occurred on October 1. The unrest, which included physical clashes between prisoners and Penitentiary Police, was broadcast live on TikTok.

The accused organizers include three Albanian nationals—Ilber Arshi (39), Andrea Petroniq (43), and Daniel Myrtaj (24)—and a Colombian national, Jerson German Bolanos (39). Myrtaj is specifically accused of the illegal use of a mobile phone to facilitate the live stream. The group faces additional charges for property damage after causing significant destruction within their prison sector.

Investigating judge Domenico Vatrano stated that participants engaged in open acts of violence, threats, and resistance to law enforcement. While the four organizers have been transferred to other prisons in the Tuscany region due to security risks, authorities have identified 16 other inmates involved in the disturbances. During the TikTok broadcast, inmates spoke in both Italian and Albanian, alleging they were assaulted by guards with rubber sticks and demanding greater privacy within their cells.