Eight Italian Penitentiary Police officers were suspended from work on Monday after evidence of abuse, torture, and attempted rape suffered by young inmates at the center ‘Cesare Beccaria’ in Milan was uncovered. The investigation, which began in 2022 following reports from the guarantor of the detainees, has led to the arrest of thirteen agents who are facing charges of injuries, complicity in the crime of injuries to minors aggravated by futile motives, and attempted sexual violence by an officer towards an inmate.
The general secretary of the UILPA Penitentiary Police union, Gennarino De Fazio, expressed shock and disbelief at the situation and emphasized the need for immediate reforms and emergency procedures to secure the prison system. He highlighted the prevalence of violence and atrocities in prisons and called for attention to the broader issues within the system. De Fazio also referenced the suicides of 32 inmates and 4 agents in Italian prisons since the beginning of the year, underscoring the urgent need for reform.
As investigations continue, there are hopes that justice will be served for those who have suffered at the hands of these officers. Various stakeholders have drawn widespread concern over this unfolding situation at Cesare Beccaria Juvenile Penal Institute and have called for accountability from all those involved.
