Italian government centralizes cultural activity approvals in prisons, sparking backlash

On October 21, 2025, Italy's Department of Penitentiary Administration (DAP) released Circular No. 454011, which consolidates the approval process for educational, cultural, and recreational programs in high-security facilities. Previously, such requests were directed to the prison director and the surveillance magistrate. Now, all proposals must receive clearance from the DAP's General Directorate in Rome, necessitating comprehensive submissions. This circular, endorsed by Ernesto Napolillo, has drawn criticism from both prison ombudsmen and cultural stakeholders. Lazio's ombudsman, Stefano Anastasìa, described it as a setback, while Campania's ombudsman raised concerns about the directors' roles. Events at Rebibbia and Milan Opera prisons have already been canceled, jeopardizing university programs for 2,000 incarcerated students, prompting the Cnupp to express alarm over the impact on rehabilitation efforts.