Genoa, Italy – A court has condemned the Italian Ministry of Justice for “omitted surveillance” in the case of an attempted suicide within the Marassi prison. The incident, which occurred on February 21, 2026, involved an inmate who fashioned a noose while livestreaming, yet prison staff apparently failed to intervene in time to prevent the attempt.
According to reports, the inmate, whose name has not been officially released, was found attempting to hang himself in his cell. While the attempt was ultimately unsuccessful, the court’s ruling cited a systemic failure to monitor at-risk inmates and a lack of adequate response protocols. The livestream, though quickly taken down, raised serious questions about the level of observation within the facility.
The case was investigated and reported on by journalist Matteo Indice of Il Secolo XIX, who has covered numerous high-profile cases in the Liguria region. Indice’s reporting highlighted the delayed response of prison personnel and the apparent lack of awareness regarding the inmate’s deteriorating mental state. He previously reported on a prison revolt at Marassi in June 2025, where victims were able to identify their aggressors, according to Il Secolo XIX.
The court’s decision specifically criticized the prison administration for failing to adhere to established guidelines for the supervision of inmates exhibiting suicidal tendencies. The ruling stated that the “omitted surveillance” constituted a serious breach of duty and contributed directly to the dangerous situation. The Ministry of Justice has not yet issued a formal response to the condemnation.
Marassi prison, located in a residential area of Genoa, has faced scrutiny in the past regarding conditions and security protocols. Recent real estate listings in the area show the neighborhood is undergoing development, with properties listed for sale nearby the prison. The incident is likely to fuel further debate about prison reform and the allocation of resources within the Italian penal system.
The court has ordered the Ministry of Justice to review and revise its surveillance procedures, with a particular focus on the early detection of suicidal ideation among inmates. A follow-up hearing is scheduled for March 15, 2026, to assess the implementation of these changes. The Ministry has remained silent regarding specific plans for addressing the court’s concerns.
