Given the deficiencies observed during the 2000 visit, the CPT recommended an inspection of all detention facilities of law enforcement agencies. In their response, the Italian authorities highlight the improvements made in the light of the CPT’s standards. The CPT also welcomed the closing-down of Francavilla Fontana Temporary holding centre for foreign nationals, in response to an immediate observation made by its delegation.

The CPT made numerous recommendations concerning the prison system; one of the most important concerned prisoners subject to Section 41bis of the Prison Law. In their response, the authorities describe efforts made to ensure appropriate contacts and activities for prisoners subject to that regime. In addition, they outline the measures taken following the CPT’s recommendations concerning Bologna and Naples (Poggioreale) Prisons; they relate in particular to the improvement of the material conditions of detention and of the programmes of activities offered to prisoners.

A number of recommendations were also made by the Committee concerning establishments for minors (Bari, Bologna, Nisida), as well as the Judicial Psychiatric Hospital in Montelupo Fiorentino. In their response, the authorities inform the CPT of their decision to entirely rebuild the Penal Institution for Minors in Bologna and to set up an ad hoc commission mandated to analyse the specific problems faced by judicial psychiatric hospitals.

The CPT reports and the responses of the Italian authorities are available on the CPT’s website (http://www.cpt.coe.int)