Ariano Irpino. A serious episode occurred yesterday evening in the prison where a prisoner of the second section with psychiatric problems ingested bleach and razor blades.
The man was immediately rescued and transported to the emergency room of the Avellino hospital, where he continued to create problems for the medical staff.
Stefano Sorice, secretary of the UILPA Penitentiary Police of Ariano Irpino, reported the incident. “The prisoner in question has already been reported several times for his violent and disruptive behavior,” explains Sorice. “Since he entered the Ariano prison he has constantly caused problems for order and security.”
Sorice underlines the inadequacy of the prison system when faced with inmates with psychiatric problems. “The closure of judicial psychiatric hospitals and the establishment of residences for the execution of security measures have proven to be a failure,” says. “These inmates are left to the management of prison staff, who are not trained or have the skills to effectively treat individuals with psychiatric problems.”
The secretary of the UILPA Penitentiary Police of Ariano Irpino launches an appeal to the top of the penitentiary administration. "We call for immediate intervention to address this unsustainable situation,” declares Sorice. “The Ariano prison does not have psychiatric facilities, experts or sections dedicated to the treatment of prisoners with psychiatric problems. This situation puts everyone's safety at risk, both prisoners and prison staff.”
The Ariano Irpino episode puts the spotlight back on the need to rethink the Italian prison system. It is necessary to guarantee adequate treatment to prisoners with psychiatric problems, avoiding that they are left to their own devices or managed by inadequately trained personnel.
Article published on 18 April 2024 - 12:57
