Italy may release up to around 10,000 prisoners to alleviate severe overcrowding in its prisons, the Justice Ministry announced. The measure would apply to inmates with final convictions, less than two years left to serve, and no serious disciplinary offences in the past year. Those convicted of serious crimes such as terrorism, organised crime, rape, migrant trafficking, and kidnapping are excluded.
Italy has one of Europe's worst prison overcrowding records, with an occupancy level of about 122 per cent, according to the World Prison Brief database. Only Cyprus, France, and Turkey have higher rates. The situation has drawn attention due to a rise in suicides and complaints about extreme summer heat in non-air-conditioned facilities.
The early release is politically sensitive and will not happen immediately. The ministry has established a task force to work with prisons and parole judges, meeting weekly and reporting by September, to facilitate decisions on individual cases. Alternative measures such as house arrest or probation will be considered for eligible prisoners.
