Avellino: Inmate dies after beating; Justice Ministry denies responsibility

The Ministry of Justice will not be held accountable in the criminal proceedings for the death of Paolo Piccolo. The young Neapolitan, held in Avellino prison, died on October 18, 2025, after a year of agony from the serious injuries sustained during a violent beating inside the prison on October 22, 2024.

The decision was made by Antonio Sicuranza, preliminary hearing judge of the Avellino Court, during the preliminary hearing to determine whether to commit ten inmates under investigation for aggravated homicide. The judge accepted the argument put forward by Antonello Membrini, a lawyer from the State Attorney's Office, that no direct responsibility attributable to ministry personnel had emerged.

Consequently, the request by Piccolo's family, who joined the civil action, to hold the administration accountable in the proceedings was rejected. However, the possibility of taking civil action to seek compensation for damages related to the young man's death remains open.

According to the reconstruction of events, on the evening of the attack, ten inmates kidnapped two prison officers on duty and then attacked Piccolo in his cell, repeatedly kicking and punching him. The young man reportedly suffered serious head injuries, including from the use of sticks and sharp objects.

Piccolo never recovered from that beating. After twelve months of agony, the 26-year-old died in hospital in the Irpinia capital. This incident has led to the opening of a proceeding to clarify individual responsibilities for the attack and the circumstances surrounding his death.

Three of the ten inmates under investigation have already been convicted in the first instance, under a fast-track trial, of attempted murder in connection with the attack. For the other charges, the ongoing proceedings will determine any liability.

Prosecutor Chiara Guerriero has requested that all ten suspects be sent to trial for aggravated homicide. The preliminary hearing judge's decision on the request is expected in the next few hours.