Investigation Launched into Excessive Force at Romania's Giurgiu Penitentiary; Inmate in Intensive Care

An investigation has been launched into allegations of excessive force at Giurgiu Penitentiary in Romania, prompting the National Penitentiary Administration (ANP) to send a control team. The probe follows an incident on July 19 where an inmate was allegedly subjected to disproportionate force by staff.

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In the data of July 20, 2026, the National Penitentiary Administration was informed by the management of Giurgiu Penitentiary about the occurrence, on July 19, 2026, of an operational incident, consisting of the commission of a possible act of assault, in the context of which there are suspicions regarding the disproportionate use of force by the involved personnel.

The inmate involved in the operational incident, which is being investigated as a possible act of assault, is currently hospitalized in the intensive care unit (ATI) of the Giurgiu County Emergency Hospital. Medical personnel have described the inmate's health prognosis as guarded.

Preliminary review of video evidence, including footage from surveillance cameras and body-worn devices, has revealed indications of force being used in a manner that warrants further scrutiny. The ANP has notified the Prosecutor's Office attached to the Giurgiu Court of First Instance about the potential criminal offenses.

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The preliminary analysis of the video material has highlighted the existence of indications regarding the use of force in a manner that requires in-depth verifications, while also suspecting the fulfillment of the elements of certain crimes.

In response to the findings, the ANP has ordered urgent administrative checks. Staff members implicated in the incident have been reassigned to posts that do not involve direct contact with inmates. The penitentiary's management has also requested personnel changes, which will be reviewed centrally. The ANP emphasized its commitment to investigating any potential violations of law, inmate rights, or professional standards.

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Given the seriousness of the aspects ascertained up to this moment and to ensure the objective conduct of the verifications, the involved personnel have been reassigned to positions that do not involve direct contact with persons deprived of liberty.