Prison Workers Protest at Florence’s Sollicciano Facility Over Lack of Heating and Hot Water
Around 300 prison staff and workers at the Sollicciano prison in Florence have been without heating and hot water for ten days due to a plumbing failure, prompting a protest that began on January 8. Eleuterio Grieco, regional secretary of the Uil Penitenziari union, stated that the protest will continue until serious responses are given to address the needs of both prison staff and inmates. Sollicciano prison is notorious for its poor structural, hygienic, and health conditions, with 533 inmates exceeding its maximum capacity of 497. A recent inspection confirmed the unacceptable living conditions, which include pest infestations and inadequate facilities. Grieco criticized the situation as “indecent” and “undignified,” emphasizing the urgency for immediate structural and organizational interventions to restore dignity and constitutional values within the prison system.
Tragedy Strikes as Woman Dies After Dog Attack in Latina
Patricia Masihtela Di Neo, a 26-year-old woman, was found dead in a pool of blood after entering the garden of a house inhabited by five large, malnourished dogs. Neighbors heard her screams around 3 a.m. and alerted authorities, but when they arrived, they discovered the young woman surrounded by the aggressive pack. Police had to shoot one dog and injure another to rescue her, but she succumbed to her injuries shortly after arriving at Santa Maria Goretti Hospital in Latina. The owner of the dogs, a 40-year-old man who is a friend of the victim, is currently missing and being investigated for involuntary manslaughter. The local prosecutor’s office has opened an inquiry into the incident, which comes after reports of a previous attack by the same dogs on another woman. The community had long expressed concerns about the dogs being left unsupervised and in poor conditions.
Franco Piperno, Influential Leader of Potere Operaio, Passes Away at 82
Franco Piperno, a prominent physicist, essayist, and university professor, has died at the age of 82 in Cosenza after a long illness. A key figure in the Italian left during the 1960s and 1970s, he co-founded the radical group Potere Operaio with Toni Negri and Oreste Scalzone. After fleeing to France in 1979 to escape prosecution related to the “April 7 trial,” he returned to Italy and later became a physics professor at the University of Calabria. In the 1990s and 2000s, Piperno also served as a municipal councilor in Cosenza, leaving a lasting impact on both academia and politics.
Lazio Fires Falconer Juan Bernabé Following Controversial Social Media Post
S.S. Lazio has terminated the contract of Spanish falconer Juan Bernabé, meaning fans will no longer see the eagle Olympia flying over the Stadio Olimpico before home matches. The club’s official statement expressed shock at Bernabé’s behavior, referencing images and comments related to his recent social media post about undergoing penile prosthesis surgery. This follows a previous suspension for performing the Roman salute and praising Mussolini during a match. Bernabé defended his actions in an interview, stating he wanted to raise awareness about his surgery after dealing with health issues. Lazio acknowledged the disappointment this decision may cause fans but emphasized the importance of dissociating the club from Bernabé’s actions, especially concerning the eagle, a historic symbol of the team.
Berrettini Advances at Australian Open as Nardi Exits in Heartbreak
Matteo Berrettini had a successful start at the Australian Open, overcoming British player Cameron Norrie in a comeback victory, winning 6-7, 6-4, 6-1, 6-3, thanks to an impressive 32 aces. The Italian, known as ‘The Hammer,’ will face Danish 13th seed Holger Rune in the second round. However, fellow Italian Luca Nardi exited the tournament after a hard-fought five-set match against Canadian Gabriel Diallo, losing 7-6, 6-7, 7-5, 1-6, 2-6 after leading 1-0 and then 2-1 in sets.
