Enna prison riot: Inmates destroy cells amid overcrowding and contraband discovery

A riot erupted at Enna prison in Italy, fueled by escalating tensions over contraband and a recent phone line outage. Inmates seized control of the old pavilion, destroying surveillance cameras and cells. The unrest, which began around 11 a.m., followed the discovery of smuggled cell phones and drugs by guards. Prison operators and civilians had warned of rising tensions in the overcrowded and aging facility, with funds already allocated for its renovation. A lightning strike earlier in the week had disrupted the phone system, preventing inmates from communicating with their families, which reportedly served as the final trigger. "The riot at Enna prison was sedated thanks to the great work of the prison guards," commented Undersecretary of Justice Alberto Balboni. He added that the disorder began after guards intercepted four packages containing illicit material thrown from outside. Balboni praised the police for preventing tragic consequences. Meanwhile, M5S deputy Daniela Morfino announced a parliamentary inquiry into the incident. Mimmo Nicotra, national president of the confederation of prison police unions (Con.si.pe.), criticized the government, stating, "We had asked for the inmates to be relocated to allow for the renovation of the dilapidated prison. The government's propaganda clashes with the reality of Italian prisons." Eight people were arrested, and the promoters of the riot will be transferred to other institutions.

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The riot at Enna prison was sedated thanks to the great work of the prison guards. All inmates have been returned to their sleeping quarters and searches and arrests of the promoters are underway, who will be transferred to other institutions.