Violence and investigations at Prato prison

A series of violent incidents involving detainees and law enforcement has emerged from the Dogaia prison in Prato, Italy.

On 5 August, a 32-year-old Nigerian detainee died following a violent altercation in a cell housing inmates convicted of sexual offences. An autopsy revealed cranial trauma caused by a blunt object. The Public Prosecutor’s Office, led by Luca Tescaroli, opened a premeditated homicide investigation, noting that the death occurs amidst a “wave of violence” exacerbated by severe overcrowding in the facility.

On 16 August, a separate incident occurred involving a 22-year-old Moroccan man who was under arrest following an event outside the prison. While the man was receiving treatment at Santo Stefano Hospital, a penitentiary officer allegedly fired three shots at him, striking him in the leg. Prosecutors have launched an attempted murder investigation into the officer. While the prison officers' union claims the man used a fire extinguisher during an escape attempt, prosecutor Tescaroli noted that surveillance footage suggests the man was in an area from which escape was not possible.