Overcrowding, delays in healthcare, and a shortage of supervisory magistrates. These are the main critical issues highlighted by Samuele Ciambriello, Campania's ombudsman for persons deprived of their liberty, at the end of today's visit to the Fuorni prison in Salerno.
Ciambriello visited the prison to attend the Mass in honor of St. Matthew, presided over by the Archbishop of Salerno, Andrea Bellandi, and to meet with inmates. After the service, the archbishop, along with the prison administration, the commander, the chaplain, and the Guarantor, visited several sections, including the High Security section, where 47 inmates were held.
The most significant figure concerns the facility's capacity. Fuorni currently houses 580 inmates, including 50 women, out of approximately 300 available places.
"I hear stories that always concern the same issues: the delays in the health system and the delays in the supervisory judiciary in adopting measures," Ciambriello stated. The Guarantor then highlighted the staffing shortages in the judiciary: "Of the four magistrates assigned to Salerno, there are currently only two."
Another factor, according to Ciambriello, is the limited availability of employment opportunities for inmates, both inside and outside the institution.
Particular concern was expressed for an inmate she had already met during a previous visit. "In the women's section, I met, for the second time, a woman who weighs 253 kilos and is already classified as disabled. I wonder: is there really a need to keep her in prison? She expressed her willingness to undergo surgery, but we need to determine who should actually initiate the necessary medical care."
During the visit, however, the Guarantor also noted positive aspects of the institution's daily life. "I observed a positive atmosphere in the relationships between the inmates, the prison management, the commander, and the director of the educational area."
Ciambriello finally drew attention to the difficulties faced by the families of inmates who travel to Fuorni daily for interviews. "I am pleased with the initiative of Salerno Mayor Vincenzo De Luca, who next Wednesday will inaugurate a reception area in front of the prison, complete with restrooms for the family members who travel there daily for interviews."
The visit on St. Matthew's Day thus brings the issue of prison conditions at Fuorni back to the forefront, including the facility's overcrowding and the need to strengthen assistance, reintegration programs, and services for those deprived of their liberty.
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Key points on the situation at Fuorni prison
Here is a summary of the main issues and observations that emerged from the Guarantor's visit to Fuorni prison.
- Overcrowding: There are currently 580 inmates out of approximately 300 available places.
- Health issues: Delays in health care have been reported, with particular attention to one inmate with serious health problems.
- Shortage of magistrates: Only two of the four magistrates assigned to Salerno are currently serving.
- Career paths: Limited availability of employment opportunities for prisoners, both inside and outside.
- Mayor's initiative: The inauguration of a hospitality platform for prisoners' families is scheduled for next Wednesday.
