A serious episode of violence occurred in Terni prisonwhere one judge of the criminal court was the victim of a attempted assault by a detainee during an interrogation. Thanks to the timely intervention of the prison police staff, the consequences were contained.
The attack on the judge
L’aggression it happened during a interrogation in the prison of Terni. A 42-year-old Italian prisoner, known for precedents episodes of violence and currently in custody for threats to a magistrateattacked the judge using the handle of a plastic fork. This had been sharpened and hidden between his fingers.
The immediate intervention of the prison police prevented the attack from having more serious consequences. There judge was conducting a hearing delegated by the Potenza judicial authority, which was immediately suspended following the accident.
Judge attacked in prison in Terni
The prisoner will be reported to the public prosecutor’s office of Terni, which coordinates the investigations.
Increased violence in prisons
The attack on the judge it is not an isolated case, but it is part of a context of growing violence within Umbrian prisons. According to general prosecutor’s office of Perugia, in 2022 there were 99 cases of attacks between prisoners, 28 against prison police staff and one against prison workers. In 2023, these numbers have increased to 124, 69, and 3, respectively.
Data for the first quarter of 2024 show a further increase with 45 assaults between prisoners and 28 against prison police staff. The trend it is alarming and highlights a situation of growing tension inside penitentiaries.
The situation of the penitentiary system
The situation in Umbrian prisons is causing growing concern. In addition to the increase in assaults, the Attorney General’s Office highlighted a chronic staff shortage however, the escaped prisoner was found in Livorno().
Currently, there is a shortage of around 200 penitentiary police units, as well as medical and treatment area personnel with specific skills for the management of prisoners suffering from mental disorders. Furthermore, the number of suicide attempts and suicides among prisoners it is increasing: in 2022 there were 25 attempts and three suicides, while in 2023 the attempts rose to 36 with as many three suicides.
In the first four months of 2024, 23 suicide attempts and one suicide have already been recorded. The situation could worsen with the arrival of summer, which usually aggravates conflict conditions within prisons.
Photo source: ANSA
