Justice Minister Carlo Nordio was to
visit the Le Vallette prison in the northern city of Turin on
Saturday following the death of two female inmates on Friday.
On Friday morning prison guard union Sappe reported that a
43-year-old Nigerian woman had died overnight after refusing
water, food and medication for 18 days.
Sources said she had asked repeatedly to be able to see her
four-year-old son.
Separately, on Friday afternoon Sappe said an Italian inmate had
committed suicide in the same prison by hanging herself in her
cell.
"This is a tragedy that cannot be tolerated in a country that
claims to be civilized and democratic," said Ilaria Cucchi, a
Senator for the Italian Left (SI) party, after news of the first
death.
"The State is responsible for this death as it had the victim in
its custody," added Cucchi, who gained public prominence during
her fight for justice over the 2009 death in custody of her
brother, Stefano Cucchi.
"I ask that this case be clarified".
Monica Cristina Gallo, the city of Turin's ombudsman for the
rights of inmates, said her office had not been informed about
the woman's case, even though she had refused food and medical
care for weeks.
"No one informed us," Gallo told ANSA.
"It would probably have changed nothing (if they had).
"But at least we could have activated our procedures and tried
something.
"I'm upset because information should be shared for prevention
purposes".
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