41-bis prison regime (Italy): leave no one behind during COVID-19

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to provide an overview of the Italian Ministry of Justice response to COVID-19 in Italian prisons, with particular focus on the conditions of super-maximum security (supermax) prisoners.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is presented in the form of viewpoint and involves the reconciliation of peer-reviewed publications, technical documents and experts’ opinions.

Findings

The paper poses critical challenges on the risk of social inequalities and substandard of care for supermax prisoners.

Research limitations/implications

Because the COVID-19 emergency represents an evolving situation, the research describes an instantaneous scenario of the problem, possibly subjected to further dynamics.

Practical implications

The paper rises relevant challenges in terms of equalities and human rights, which should be considered by policymakers.

Social implications

The research highlights the importance of the health protection for supermax prisoners during COVID-19 as it is a State responsibility.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the paper contributes to the development of subsequent studies on the topic owing to its unique knowledge that was so far not available from previous research.

Citation

Logar, S. and Leese, M. (2021), "41-bis prison regime (Italy): leave no one behind during COVID-19", International Journal of Prisoner Health, Vol. 17 No. 3, pp. 296-298. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJPH-05-2020-0033