Moroccan prisoner in Italy’s Cerialdo prison surprises authorities by refusing to leave after serving sentence

A unique incident at “Cerialdo” prison sparks controversy

The “Cerialdo” penitentiary in Cuneo, northwestern Italy, was the scene of a unique incident that has surprised the public and local media: a Moroccan national refused to leave the prison despite having fully served his prison sentence.

According to official data released by the Italian Prison Police Union (OSAPP) and reported by the local portal “Cuneodice”, the prisoner staged an unusual protest, screaming, throwing objects, and obstructing hallways while begging the staff: “Do not release me.”

The prisoner’s justification: The ghost of homelessness

The man justified his resistance to leaving by stating he lacks the basic conditions for a dignified life outside. He does not possess a valid residence permit (Permesso di soggiorno), has no home or steady job, and lacks any family network to support him in Italy.

For the prisoner, release means being cast out onto the streets into total uncertainty, implying he might be forced to commit offenses simply to return to prison for shelter and food.

Union reactions and the dilemma of reintegration

The incident has sparked widespread reactions among prison union bodies in Italy. Leo Beneduci, General Secretary of OSAPP, stated that the incident captures the shocking paradoxes of the Italian prison system, noting that the reintegration mechanism fails when a prisoner prefers detention over “freedom” due to the absence of social and legal alternatives.

The incident sheds light on the silent suffering of immigrants who reach the end of their sentences only to face total marginalization, in the absence of effective mechanisms to ensure their actual integration into society upon release.