Obese Prisoner Housed in Cuneo Hospital Due to Lack of Suitable Prison Facilities
In a striking illustration of Italy’s ongoing prison overcrowding crisis, a severely obese inmate has been transferred to a hospital in Cuneo, Piedmont, because no correctional facility in the region is equipped to accommodate his medical needs. The case, which came to light on September 2, 2025, highlights systemic issues in the Italian penal system, including inadequate infrastructure for inmates with health conditions and chronic overcrowding that exacerbates vulnerabilities for vulnerable populations.
The Case Details
The prisoner, identified only as a 45-year-old man serving a sentence for drug-related offenses at the Cuneo Prison, weighs over 200 kilograms (approximately 440 pounds) and suffers from multiple comorbidities, including mobility issues and respiratory problems. According to reports from local authorities and medical staff, his condition deteriorated while incarcerated, prompting an emergency transfer to the Santa Croce and Carle Hospital in Cuneo on August 28, 2025. Prison officials cited the absence of specialized beds, reinforced flooring, or medical equipment capable of supporting his size as the primary reason for the move.
“This is not an ideal situation for anyone involved,” stated a spokesperson for the Piedmont Regional Health Authority. “The hospital is now functioning as a temporary detention facility, with security provided by prison guards, but this strains our resources and compromises patient care for others.” The inmate is under 24-hour surveillance, with his cell converted into a secure hospital room equipped with bariatric facilities. Legal experts note that under Italian law (Article 11 of the Prison Administration Law), inmates requiring medical treatment must receive it, but the lack of alternatives has led to this unconventional arrangement.
The transfer was ordered by the Cuneo Public Prosecutor’s Office following a court evaluation that deemed the prison unsuitable. Efforts to relocate him to other facilities in Turin or Genoa failed due to similar limitations, underscoring a nationwide problem. Italy’s prison population stands at over 60,000, exceeding capacity by about 10,000, according to the latest Ministry of Justice data from July 2025.
Broader Context: Italy’s Prison Overcrowding and Health Challenges
Italy has long grappled with prison overcrowding, a issue ruled a human rights violation by the European Court of Human Rights in 2013. Despite reforms like the 2014 “Cartabia Decree,” which aimed to reduce sentences for minor offenses, the system remains strained, particularly for inmates with disabilities or chronic illnesses. Obese prisoners, in particular, face barriers: standard cells are not designed for bariatric needs, and medical transfers like this one are increasingly common.
Similar cases have emerged in recent years. In 2023, a morbidly obese inmate in Rome was housed in a hospital for months due to incompatible prison conditions, sparking debates on dignity and rehabilitation. Advocacy groups such as Antigone, Italy’s leading prison rights NGO, have called for investments in accessible facilities. “This is a failure of the state to provide humane conditions,” said Patrizio Gonnella, president of Antigone. “Overcrowding affects everyone, but it’s the vulnerable who suffer most. We need structural reforms, not ad-hoc hospital detentions.”
The Italian government has allocated €50 million in the 2025 budget for prison modernization, including bariatric units, but implementation is slow. Critics argue that the focus on punitive measures over rehabilitation perpetuates the cycle, with health issues like obesity often linked to socioeconomic factors that prisons fail to address.
Legal and Ethical Implications
From a legal standpoint, the case raises questions under Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which prohibits inhuman or degrading treatment. The inmate’s lawyer has filed a petition for house arrest or alternative measures, citing the hospital placement as “de facto isolation” that hinders family visits and psychological support. Prosecutors, however, maintain that security risks—given the prisoner’s history—necessitate continued detention.
Ethically, the situation blurs the lines between medical care and punishment. Hospital staff report challenges in balancing patient privacy with security protocols, while the inmate’s treatment costs taxpayers an estimated €5,000 per week, far exceeding standard prison expenses. This has prompted calls from regional officials for a national protocol on housing high-needs inmates.
Reactions and Potential Outcomes
Local politicians in Cuneo have expressed concern, with Mayor Patrizia Pellegrino urging the Justice Ministry to intervene. “Our hospital is not a prison extension,” she said in a statement. Nationally, opposition parties like the Democratic Party have criticized the right-wing government’s handling of prisons, linking it to broader cuts in social services.
The case is expected to go before a review board in mid-September 2025, where options like electronic monitoring or transfer to a specialized facility abroad could be considered. In the meantime, the prisoner remains in the hospital, a poignant symbol of Italy’s strained justice system.
As Italy navigates its prison challenges, cases like this one underscore the urgent need for reform to ensure that punishment does not equate to neglect. With the European Prison Rules emphasizing health and dignity, advocates hope this incident will catalyze change before more inmates are caught in similar limbo.
Sources: La Stampa, ANSA, Il Sole 24 Ore, Antigone Reports, Ministry of Justice Italy