Apr 19, 2025
Italy Opens First Prison Sex Room Following Landmark Court Ruling on Inmate Rights
Italy Opens First-Ever Sex Room for Prisoners: Italy launched its first sex room for inmates after a landmark court ruling on prisoners' rights
First Visit in Umbria Prison: The first intimate visit took place at a prison in Terni, Umbria, between a male inmate and his female partner
Court Recognizes Inmates' Intimate Rights: A January 2024 Constitutional Court ruling granted inmates the right to private, unsupervised visits with spouses or partners
Facilities and Guidelines: The justice ministry allows up to 2-hour visits in rooms with a bed and toilet. Doors remain unlocked for security
Pilot Program Positive So Far: Officials said the first visit went smoothly and more meetings are planned in the coming days
Common in Other European Nations: Italy follows countries like France, Germany, Spain, and Sweden where conjugal visits are already allowed
Context: Overcrowding and Suicides: Italy's prisons are 21% over capacity and face a suicide crisis, highlighting the need for inmate welfare reforms
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