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Cavadonna prison in Siracusa experiences violent riot and staff protests
The Cavadonna prison in Siracusa, Sicily, has experienced severe unrest, including a violent riot in the high-security section (Block 25). During the incident, inmates reportedly forced gates and reached the reception area. The violence resulted in physical assaults on prison officers, including one officer struck in the face and another struck by a barrier gate. Inmates also destroyed surveillance cameras. The unrest was reportedly triggered by a ban on including perishable food items in packages sent by families.
In response to the violence and ongoing security concerns, approximately 50 prison police officers from across Sicily organized a sit-in at the facility's entrance. Labor unions, including OSAPP and Consipe, are demanding urgent structural interventions. Key grievances include severe staff shortages—with reports indicating a deficit of 70 officers—and extreme overcrowding, with an estimated 300 inmates beyond capacity.
Union representatives and regional officials are calling for the immediate transfer of violent inmates to facilities outside the region, an increase in permanent staff to reduce reliance on overtime, and a review of prison management. The Group Intervention Operation (GIO) was called to manage the emergency situation.
Entities
CONSIPE · Casa Circondariale di Siracusa-Cavadonna · Cavadonna Prison · Gruppo di Intervento Operativo · Organizzazione sindacale autonoma polizia penitenziaria · Osapp · Polizia Penitenziaria · Riccardo Gennuso · Siracusa-Cavadonna prison
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] A female officer was struck by a barrier gate pushed by inmates. siracusapress.it · www.wltv.it · www.blogsicilia.it
- [● 3 SOURCES] Approximately 50 prison police officers organized a sit-in at the Cavadonna prison entrance. www.vrsicilia.it · www.videomediterraneo.it · www.siracusaoggi.it
- [● 3 SOURCES] Inmates forced gates and reached the reception department in the high-security section. siracusapress.it · www.wltv.it · www.blogsicilia.it
- [● 3 SOURCES] A prison officer was struck in the face with punches during the riot. siracusapress.it · www.wltv.it · www.blogsicilia.it
- [● 3 SOURCES] Inmates destroyed surveillance cameras during the unrest. siracusapress.it · www.wltv.it · www.blogsicilia.it
- [○ 1 SOURCE] A national call for four inspectors has been issued to assist the facility. www.siracusanews.it
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Cavadonna prison is overcrowded by 300 inmates and lacks 70 staff members. meridionews.it
- [● 3 SOURCES] The riot was triggered by a ban on including perishable goods in packages from families. siracusapress.it · www.wltv.it · www.blogsicilia.it