In a bold effort to tackle long-standing prison overcrowding, the Italian Ministry of Justice has announced plans to release up to 10,000 inmates who meet specific eligibility criteria. The proposal aims to ease pressure on the country’s overstretched correctional facilities, which are currently holding well over their intended capacity.
According to a statement issued by the ministry on Tuesday, approximately 10,105 prisoners may qualify for non-custodial alternatives such as house arrest or supervised probation. The move could impact roughly 15% of Italy’s prison population.
To be considered, inmates must have exhausted all legal appeals, have fewer than two years remaining on their sentence, and maintain a clean disciplinary record for at least the past 12 months. However, individuals convicted of serious crimes—including terrorism, organized crime, rape, human trafficking, and kidnapping—will be excluded from the program.
Italy has one of the highest prison occupancy rates in Europe, operating at 122% capacity according to the World Prison Brief. Only a handful of countries, including Cyprus, Turkey, and France, report more severe congestion. Overcrowding has been linked to a spike in inmate suicides and worsening conditions in prisons, particularly during summer months when high temperatures and poor ventilation exacerbate discomfort.
Despite the urgency, the Justice Ministry stressed that no mass release will take place immediately. Instead, a specialized task force will review individual cases in coordination with prison authorities and parole boards. Weekly meetings have been scheduled, and a preliminary report is expected by September.
The proposal is likely to stir debate in Italy, where early release initiatives often face public resistance. However, officials maintain that the approach is measured and necessary to restore balance in the correctional system while safeguarding public safety.