Siracusa prison leadership changes following riots and staff shortages

Following recent riots, assaults on staff, and ward occupations at the Cavadonna prison in Siracusa, the Department of Penitentiary Administration (DAP) is implementing leadership changes. During a meeting with various unions, including CISL and OSAPP, General Personnel Director Rita Monica Russo announced the dispatch of a new commander, the permanent transfer of three inspectors, and the temporary assignment of four others to the facility.

The DAP is also reviewing the actions of the prison's current management regarding their handling of the recent emergency. Unions have submitted extensive documentation, including two dossiers totaling 200 pages, to regional authorities to highlight organizational issues.

Labor representatives have raised urgent alarms regarding precarious working conditions. Reported issues include critical staff shortages—specifically among non-commissioned officers—structural deficiencies, and improper use of video surveillance. Furthermore, staff reported that standard 6-hour shifts have frequently extended to 8 or even 16 hours, leading to extreme exhaustion among penitentiary police officers. Similar critical conditions were noted in the Augusta and Ragusa facilities.