The prison population in Italy has reached 64,436 inmates, bringing the current overcrowding rate to 139.1 percent, according to a report published by rights association Antigone on Tuesday, Anadolu reports.

“As of April 30, 2026, Italian prisons held 64,436 inmates, compared to a regulatory capacity of 51,265, which has dropped to just 46,318 current places available. The current overcrowding rate has thus reached 139.1 percent,” the association said.

It said 73 detention centers are operating at occupancy rates of at least 150 percent, while eight prisons exceed 200 percent capacity.

The report attributed worsening prison conditions in part to recent measures introduced by Italy’s prison administration, arguing that increased restrictions on movement and activities have increased tensions within institutions.

According to data cited in the report, attacks against prison officers increased by 12.4 percent, from 2,154 to 2,423 cases, while attacks among prisoners increased by 73 percent, from 3,356 incidents in 2021 to 5,812 in 2025.

Incidents categorized as breaches of order and security in prisons rose by 27.6 percent.

The report also raised concerns about inmate welfare and mental health.

It said at least 82 inmates died by suicide in 2025, while 24 suicides had been recorded since the start. 2026.

“In less than a year and a half, 106 inmates have died by suicide,” the report said, adding that total prison deaths reached 254 in 2025, the highest number recorded in decades.

Patrizio Gonnella, president of Antigone, said prison closures and tighter internal measures had not improved security.

The report argued that harsher government policies and longer sentences had contributed to overcrowding.

Source: prizrenpost