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On July 16, 2025, Italy’s Justice Ministry announced a proposal to release up to 10,105 prisoners—approximately 15% of the national inmate population—as part of a broader initiative to alleviate chronic overcrowding in the country’s detention facilities.
The plan targets inmates who meet strict eligibility criteria: convictions must be final and no longer subject to appeal, less than two years of sentence must remain, and individuals must have maintained good behavior without serious disciplinary infractions in the past 12 months. Those convicted of serious crimes—including terrorism, organized crime, rape, migrant trafficking, and kidnapping—will be excluded from consideration.
Italy’s prison system currently operates at 122% capacity, one of the highest overcrowding rates in Europe, surpassed only by Cyprus, France, and Turkey. The issue has drawn increased scrutiny following a rise in inmate suicides and concerns over extreme summer temperatures in facilities lacking air conditioning.
To ensure a measured rollout, the ministry has established a task force to coordinate with prison officials and parole judges. This group will meet weekly and is expected to deliver a progress report by September.
While the initiative could offer relief to Italy’s strained penal system, it remains politically sensitive and is unlikely to be implemented immediately. Authorities emphasize that each case will be reviewed individually to balance public safety with humanitarian and legal considerations.
