Violence and contraband seizures highlight security challenges in Italian prisons

In the Messina prison, a detainee from Siracusa attacked a prison police officer in the "Cellulare" unit, forcing the guard’s hand between bars and spitting in his face before attempting to strike with a wooden stick. The officer was hospitalized for hand injuries. Union representative Giovanni Spanò condemned the incident, calling for a redesign of the ex art. 32 section, increased staffing, and relocation of the unit to a more secure area.

At the Salerno prison, prison police conducted two raids in 11‑12 June, seizing five hidden smartphones – four concealed under a bed tile and one found in a bathroom with its charger. The devices were fully functional and could have enabled illegal external contacts. Union secretary Vincenzo Palmieri praised the officers’ professionalism and highlighted ongoing problems of overcrowding, staff shortages, and contraband deliveries, including drones. The union urges stronger external patrols and more personnel to combat such illegal communications inside prisons.