The ECHR Condemns Prison Overcrowding in Italy: The Total Reorganization of the Institution and the Social Reintegration of the Prisoner

Abstract

The contribution analyses the current Italian prison system, which has been called upon on to resolve its structural problems. The Council of Europe, in fact, in 2013 condemned Italy for inhuman treatment in its prisons. The principal accusation concerns the problem of overcrowding. The country has responded with solutions such as the application of the open system, which provides cells solely for overnight stays, and dynamic monitoring, an effective system for ensuring order in the institutions. These initiatives aim to promote re-educational activities and the social re-integration of prisoners. In addition, Italian institutions have made greater use of alternatives to custodial penalties in order to tackle overcrowding and to provide more opportunities for social re-integration.This contribution focuses on the need to increase prisoners’ employment opportunities. In fact, Italy seems to have neglected this area, which is fundamental for re-integration into the community sphere.