A 17-year-old Moroccan detainee has escaped from the Beccaria juvenile detention center in Milan. The youth, originally arrested for armed robbery, reportedly scaled the prison bars to flee, according to Aldo Di Giacomo, secretary of the Penitentiary Police Union.
Di Giacomo stated the incident “reignites attention, seemingly dormant, on Beccaria – historically the most problematic among Italy’s juvenile prisons (Ipm) – and on the recurring escape incidents plaguing penitentiaries.” He highlighted an “alarming surge,” noting escapes and attempts have risen 300% in recent months. “This proves staffing shortages within the prison service are the absolute top priority,” Di Giacomo asserted. “Inmates exploit chronic understaffing; in too many cases, just four officers guard 60-70 detainents, as happens at Beccaria and across institutions.”
“The only one seemingly unaware,” Di Giacomo added, “is Undersecretary [Andrea] Delmastro, who continues broadcasting optimistic messages, repeating everything is under control. Yet recent reports confirm four escapes or attempts in just one week.” Regarding Beccaria specifically, Di Giacomo described it as “a very challenging institution, particularly due to the age and backgrounds of the young detainees.”