In the prisons of northern Italy, the coronavirus epidemic has exacerbated tensions and led to mutinies. Already six detainees have perished in revolts against government restraint measures to combat the Covid-19. From Milan to Modena via Bergamo, prisoners took hostages hostage, started fires and, for some, even managed to escape.
The rebellion began on Sunday March 8 after the announcement of the suspension of family visits and temporary absences. At the San Vittore prison in Milan, a dozen inmates managed to climb on the roof shouting "We want freedom! Under the gaze of a hundred police officers.
Italian prisons suffer from overcrowding, with more than 61,000 prisoners for 51,000 places. All staff members are expected to have their temperature checked on arrival each day, and medical checks for new detainees have been stepped up. In the European country most affected by the coronavirus, the contagion is increasingly worrying the families of prisoners.