Clash among inmates at the Genoese facility. SAPPE: “Grave situation prevented from turning into tragedy thanks to Blue Berets”
Violent score-settling at Marassi prison
Marassi prison in Genoa was on the brink of tragedy after a violent brawl erupted among inmates, many of whom are foreign nationals held in sections I and II. According to the Autonomous Prison Police Union (SAPPE), the situation escalated following an alleged attack on a young prisoner the previous day, who was nearly tortured by fellow inmates. What followed was a series of riots that severely damaged parts of the prison and created a high-risk situation that lasted for hours.
The key role of the Prison Police: mediation, not force
Thanks to the mediation skills of the Blue Berets, the elite unit of the Italian Prison Police, the crisis was handled without the need for a riot squad intervention. No escapes, no attacks against officers: the prison personnel managed to contain even the most aggressive detainees and restore order.
SAPPE sounds the alarm: understaffed prisons, ignored warnings
SAPPE’s regional vice-secretary Francesco Migliorelli condemned the neglect of repeated warnings about tensions in Ligurian prisons. The union urges the Ministry of Justice to take immediate action, including reopening a regional prison administration office in Genoa, currently managed from Turin.
National secretary Donato Capece criticized the detainees’ behavior as “irresponsible and extremely serious”, calling for a reinforcement of staff and the introduction of non-lethal equipment such as flash ball guns and bola wraps—tools already used in France and some Italian local police departments.
Blue Berets: defending society inside and outside prisons
Capece emphasized that the Prison Police is not only essential for prison order but also plays a strategic role in national security. “They are a barrier against crime not only inside prisons but also outside,” he said, highlighting the urgent need for clear rules, proper tools, and zero tolerance against violent inmates who continue to act with impunity even behind bars.
FAQ
1. What happened at Marassi prison?
A violent clash between inmates, following a previous attack on a young prisoner.
2. Was anyone injured?
No prison staff were harmed, but one inmate was reportedly tortured the day before.
3. Who handled the situation?
The Italian Prison Police, especially the Blue Berets, calmed the situation through negotiation.
4. Were riot squads used?
No. Thanks to the effective mediation of prison staff, riot forces weren’t needed.
5. What is SAPPE?
It’s the main union for Italian Prison Police officers, often raising alarm over security risks.
6. What are flash balls and bola wraps?
Non-lethal weapons used to immobilize violent individuals without causing serious harm.
7. Why is the situation in Ligurian prisons critical?
Because of chronic understaffing, ignored warnings, and rising inmate aggression.
8. Are foreign detainees involved?
Yes, many involved in the Marassi unrest were foreign inmates.
9. Is Marassi prison now safe?
The situation has been brought under control, but the underlying issues persist.
10. What does SAPPE request?
More personnel, better tools, and institutional reforms to restore security in prisons.
Leave a Reply