Draft:Bollate Prison

Bollate Prison

Location	Milan, Italy
Coordinates
Status	Operational
Security class	Maximum
Capacity	Approximately 1,300 inmates
Population	1200
Opened	2000
Managed by	Italian Ministry of Justice
Warden	Giorgio Leggieri
Street address	via Cristina Belgioioso, 120
City	Milan
Postal code	20157
Country	Italy
Website	www.carcerebollate.com

The Bollate Prison (II Casa di Reclusione di Milano) is a correctional facility located in Bollate, Milan, Italy. The prison is situated 15 kilometres north of Milan's city center and 40 kilometres from Bergamo. The prison has been operational since 2000 and focuses on rehabilitation as an Open Prison. Bollate Prison has an official operating capacity of 1,267 inmates. In 2024 it housed 1,427 inmates. The prison has dedicated sections for female inmates, individuals with substance dependencies, and transitional areas for rehabilitation.

Bollate prison is based on the Bollate Model, which contrasts with the conventional penal model based on confinemt with inmate reintegration and rehabilitation programs. The inmates' cells remain open during the day, allowing inmates greater independence and responsibility.

History

The structure was designed in 1987, and later delivered in 2000. Throughout its history, the facility has faced several challenges, including escapes (most notably the 2024 escape of Cristian Filippo Braidich) and various incidents, such as hunger strikes, self-harm, and assaults on staff.

2000-2001

Bollate Prison had two inaugurations: the first was in in December 2000, led by the Justice Minister Piero Fassino; the second was held in 2001, led by the Minister successor, Roberto Castelli.
The institution operates since its opening under an attenuated custody regime for common detainees, as outlined in Article 115 of the Italian Penitentiary Regulations. This article is designed to allow for a broader range of rehabilitative activities and greater opportunities for the detainees' personal responsibility and social reintegration.

2009

Since the prison's opening, several incidents have been recorded. In 2009, specific prison-related statistics, such as suicides, attempted suicides, self-inflicted injuries, hunger strikes, prison work, and independent work, were recorded at several Italian correctional facilities.
This data was calculated on a per-inmate basis, by dividing the total number of incidents by the number of inmates at the end of 2009.

2014-2021

In Bollate prison, participation in the hunger strike was relatively low: only 2.3% of inmates took part in the protests. In comparison, other nearby prisons had significantly higher percentages: Milano San Vittore (7.3%), Milano Opera (7.4%), Monza (3.0%), and Busto Arsizio (5.4%). These statistics highlight Bollate's comparatively lower rate of hunger strikes, which may indicate better conditions or a different approach to inmate grievances and protests compared to other prisons in the region.

Carcere San Vittore Milano 1880

In 2014, there were registered 142 hunger strikes, 24 acts of self-harm, 2 assaults on police officers, and 16 assaults on prison staff. There were no suicides reported during this period.

Lifers' Treatment
Cosima Buccoliero was the director of the prison from 2019 until 2021.
She assigned single rooms to life prisoners, emphasising their right to dignity and individuality. She argues that treating prisoners as human beings, rather than as numbers or mere embodiments of their crimes, is essential to preserving humanity within the prison system.
Buccoliero critiques the concept of a “penalty without end,” particularly the Ergastolo (LWOP-Life Imprisonment Without Parole), which denies certain life prisoners access to benefits like sentence reductions or temporary release; believing that life imprisonment should not mean permanent exclusion from society.
At Bollate Prison, she promoted respect and dialogue between staff and prisoners to counter isolation, despair, and rebellion, fostering a healthier environment. By providing work opportunities, education, and personal growth programs, even life prisoners can develop skills, contributing positively to prison life and supporting others. There are examples of inmates who have transformed through these opportunities, proving the value of such initiatives.

2023-2024

In 2023, trade unions requested explanations regarding a serious incident at Bollate Prison and called for protective measures for prison staff. The letter was issued in response to an attack that took place inside the prison, involving a chief assistant, a chief superintendent, and an inspector. Union representatives pointed out that similar incidents had occurred in which inmates made death threats against officers. However, despite disciplinary proceedings, no further measures such as transferring the detainee to a different section or requesting their removal from the prison were taken.
The incident has also prompted a response from Riccardo De Corato, a member of the Fratelli d'Italia party, who announced plans to submit a parliamentary question to Justice Minister Carlo Nordio. De Corato was seeking the Minister's involvement in addressing the ongoing issues faced by prison officers, who have been enduring such incidents for years.

The 22nd of June of 2024, Cristian Filippo Braidich escaped from Bollate Prison. He was initially arrested in 2021 along with 36 others for drug trafficking. Braidich was apprehended again in August 2022 following a second arrest, accused of selling 11 kilograms of hashish.
There are two main theories surrounding Braidich's escape: one suggests that he may have scaled the prison fence to flee, the other is that he left the prison through a carriage door, exploiting his status as an "unconsigned" prisoner. This status allowed him to have more freedom and move within the facility, including access to the mechanical workshop where he worked daily.
Braidich, who comes from Rome and hails from Campania, officially disappeared from the prison on Sunday, June 23 (2024) around 10 a.m. The Penitentiary Police did not notice his absence until late in the evening, around 10 p.m., when it was discovered that he had not been tracked down during the routine checks.
Braidich was serving a long sentence, with at least eight more years until the end of 2032.
He is linked to the "Case bianche", a notorious criminal network based in Milan, particularly active in areas like Cinisello Balsamo, Parco Lambro, and Viale Sarca. This criminal group is involved in various illegal activities, primarily in drug dealing and also arms trafficking .

Organisation and Facilities

Bollate Prison includes recreational facilities like sports fields and a multi-purpose hall that can accommodate 800 people for various activities, including religious ceremonies, theatre productions, and athletics. The facility includes multiple kitchens and workshops designed to support work-based rehabilitation programs for inmates.

Zones

The facility is divided into distinct zones: the first one is accessible to external visitors who can participate in certain activities, while the second is predominantly occupied by inmates and prison staff.

Cells and other facilities

There are various subdivisions of cells, in particular those for single, double and multiple occupancy. Each of these cells is equipped with basic facilities to ensure the comfort and privacy of the inmates, including a private toilet and a shower. Sexual offenders receive treatment for one year in cell Block 6, then they join the other sections. The allocation system is structured to meet the requirements of the different people allocated to each cell, with the number of inmates determining the resources and space made available.
There is also a theatre that hosts workshops and performances, and since 2017, a nursery that welcomes the children of employees and local families and children of female inmates.

Wards

The remainder of the facility is divided into eight wards, essentially four-story buildings.
Each ward has various social rooms and dedicated areas equipped with ovens for cooking. There are spaces for religious practices, gyms, and concrete yards where inmates can play tennis, soccer, or volleyball, which serve as areas for recreation. The fourth ward hosts a library with several study rooms.
The spaces also facilitate various cultural activities: for example, every Friday at 4 PM, editorial meetings take place for the newspaper written by inmates, called Carte Bollate.

Security

The activities of the Technical Secretariat Office are supported by units of prison police, who assist in maintaining observation records and managing external work programs. Educators are assigned to specific departments (detention units) and are responsible for tracking the observation and treatment pathways of inmates, in addition to engaging in various cross-departmental activities within the institution.
Their presence at the institute spans six days a week, from 8 AM to 9 PM. They are often available beyond these hours to meet with inmates returning from external work or semi-liberty, as well as during evening events. Upon request, they can also hold meetings with the family members and legal representatives of inmates to discuss matters related to their rehabilitation.
Their tasks are regulated by penitentiary law with two primary goals: to enhance the quality of the punishment (i.e., to humanise it) and to improve its effectiveness, which is closely associated with the rehabilitative objectives defined by the Constitution.
They welcome inmates upon their arrival, collaborate with their team to observe the personality of the convicted individuals, and develop a treatment program following the observation period, which will be reviewed by the "Magistrato di Sorveglianza" (Parole Board). This treatment program includes a pathway, agreed upon with the inmate, that encompasses activities (both internal and external) aimed at helping the individual regain a sense of self-efficacy by leveraging their potential, thus aiding their reintegration into society. This area includes various educational support roles from the non-profit sector that provide crucial assistance in educational support and reintegration efforts for inmates, primarily funded through projects supported by local authorities.

Rehabilitation Programs

The prison provides opportunities for rehabilitation and personal development of prisoners. Employment, educational and recreational initiatives are used with the aims of developing inmates' skills, promoting their social reintegration and improving their physical and mental well-being. Initiatives include specialised training in catering, gardening and carpentry, as well as sports and cultural activities.

Communication with the outside world

Effective communication with the outside world is an essential element in any penitentiary system, as it plays a key role in the rehabilitation process, which aims to facilitate the rapid reintegration of prisoners into society. Inmates can make regular phone calls, exchange and send letters at Bollate Prison and are also entitled to visits from their family members. Thus, prisoners feel support from the outside, this greatly strengthens their mental state. Phone calls are allowed to almost all prisoners, their frequency and duration depend on the behaviour of the prisoner. Prisoners also have access to video calls, which have a stronger emotional impact on them than regular phone calls, but a lesser impact than in-person visits. It is possible to sign up for a visit with a prisoner by phone, visits take place even on weekends. Video calls have become more popular after the Covid-19 pandemic, when personal meetings were limited. Family support provides prisoners with the motivation to improve and prepare them for their return to society after release.
Bollate Prison demonstrates that contact with the outside world is not a privilege, but a necessary part of a humane approach to incarceration.

Little red house

The Little red house on the prison grounds was built for visiting inmates and their children. Together with inmates, students from Polytechnic University of Milan developed this home.
Located in the garden, it combines visual appeal with social significance. The simple but expressive design of the house complies with safety regulations, the sturdy wooden scaffolding, also allows the construction of balustrades that create comfortable seating and play areas for children. It is also possible to watch what is happening using this approach, which also blends very well with the pavilion's general architecture.

Restaurant

InGalera: Italy's first prison restaurant, located within Bollate Prison.

InGalera is Italy's first and only restaurant situated within a prison (Bollate prison) that is open to the public for both lunch and dinner. The restaurant has been featured in both the Michelin Guide and the Gambero Rosso publication. PwC Italy inaugurated the restaurant with the support of various business units in collaboration with ABC Catering and the Bollate prison. An inauguration event was organised, which was covered by the New York Times and other publications.

Since 2015, the staff consists of the prison's inmates, who are guided by an expert chef and maître d'hôtel. Here, the detainees have the opportunity to learn and practice the skills of preparing and serving exquisite cuisine. The restaurant was established to provide employed prisoners with a chance to develop or regain a strong work ethic. It provides a valuable experience where they receive professional training while cultivating responsibility.
This initiative helps and prepares them for reintegration into society and in the workforce. The project had an immediate success: InGalera served 5,040 dinners and 2,970 lunches in the first five months, exceeding the profit expectations.
Through the collaboration with the Paolo Frisi Hotel School located inside the prison of Milano Bollate, inmate-students can complete the required practical training for their hospitality diplomas in the InGalera restaurant.

Sporting activities

File:Sporting Activities.jpg

A Rugby Game, one of the sporting activities.

At the Bollate Correctional Facility, an innovative approach to inmate well-being has led to the construction of the first athletics track inside a prison.
The first athletics track built in a prison project was initiated by the Polytechnic University of Milan, with the help of sports professionals, the prison administration, and funding from the Polisocial award and additional support from private companies. The prisoners have actively participated in the construction process, symbolically breaking down barriers while contributing to an environment designed to foster wellbeing, personal growth, and a sense of freedom.

The project is aimed to transform traditional exercise yards often stark and unwelcoming, into spaces conducive to group activities and aerobic exercise. Concrete walls were removed to create open, inviting areas that encourage physical activity and communal engagement.
This project was led by architect Andrea Di Franco, the initiative sought to improve both the physical and mental health of inmates, moving beyond the traditional concept of a prison gym. In addition to the athletics track, new facilities for basketball, volleyball, and a dispersed gym accessible throughout the prison were also developed.

Theatre and cinema

The theatre at the Bollate Correctional Facility in Milan has been a rehabilitation centre for prisoners for about twenty years.
Originally founded by director and choreographer Michelina Capato, the project introduced dance theatre as a medium for inmates to express themselves, challenge societal prejudices, and pursue personal and professional growth. The theatre company is now led by Christian and Stefano Pozzato, who are continuing Michelina's vision.
The productions address critical social issues, such as bullying and youth distress, with every aspect direction, set design, and performance managed by the inmates. This initiative has transformed the theater into a space of freedom and redemption, where inmates can explore new identities, build relationships, and uncover talents that may shape their futures.

Fuori Cinema

In 2019, the Fuori Cinema project brought further innovation with the creation of a cinema-theater space open to the public, developed in partnership with Cinema Anteo. This venue bridges the gap between the prison and the broader community, fostering dialogue, connection, and mutual understanding.

Prison Art association

During the pandemic (Covid-19), inmates established the Prison Art association, now central to Bollate's theatrical activities. This collective effort highlights the value of collaboration and support within the prison community.

Inactive Rehabilitation Programs

Equine-Assisted Rehabilitation

File:Project ‘Horse in Prison’’.jpg

Equine-Assisted Rehabilitation: program developed (from 2007 until 2021) and it aimed to help imates to develop empathy and emotional control.

At Bollate prison, a study conducted until 2021 by psychologists and veterinarians from the University of Milan, in collaboration with the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, the Policlinico of Milan, the SerT of Bollate prison (Servizio per le Tossicodipendenze, Service for Drug Addiction), and the volunteer Asom association , analysed the effects of interaction with horses on empathy, impulse control, and emotional regulation in inmates.
In the stables managed by Asom, which housed 40 horses often rescued from abuse or neglect, inmates participated in programs such as farriery courses, developing skills in self-control and the ability to observe the non-verbal behaviour of the animals. According to Professor Emanuela Prato Previde, interaction with horses was shown to improve empathy and emotional regulation: critical factors in reducing violent behaviour. The study, based on standardised psychological and neuropsychological tests, evaluated changes in the inmates while ensuring the well-being of the animals involved.

This activity played a crucial role in rescuing abused, ill, or confiscated horses while supporting the rehabilitation of inmates. Since 2007, the stables have helped both horses and inmates rebuild their lives through a reciprocal empathetic relationship. One notable success was the adoption and recovery of Vago, a horse rescued from severe inflammation in Grosseto and returned to health thanks to donations and volunteer care.
Despite its significant impact, the stables were closed in 2021 due to structural safety issues, as cited by the prison administration.

Educational and Vocational Programs

Carpentry workshop

The carpentry workshop at Bollate Prison exemplifies how vocational activities can facilitate the social reintegration of inmates.
In this facility, detainees have the opportunity to acquire professional skills in woodworking, producing furniture for external clients and creating theatrical sets.
In 2020, during the Covid-19 health emergency, the workshop was temporarily converted into a laboratory for producing surgical masks, demonstrating the inmates' adaptability and commitment to contributing to the community.

Plant Nursery

Bollate Prison's plant nursery

This nursery was established within the Bollate detention facility by Susanna Magistretti as a powerful example of social responsibility, providing both new opportunities for personal growth and vocational training. Here, professionals collaborate with detainees, offering them the chance to learn gardening as a practical trade.
The nursery specialises in cultivating perennial herbaceous plants, including ornamental grasses, a selection of annual and heirloom roses, and a variety of unique but easy-to-grow plants. It also showcases several climbing plants such as different honeysuckles (including shrub species like Lonicera maackii and Lonicera tatarica), as well as Clematis mandshurica, Campsis grandiflora, Bignonia capreolata, and more.
The nursery is home to a range of daisies and other Asteraceae varieties, such as Chrysanthemum cinerariifolium, C. maximum “Silver Princess”, Echinacea pallida, and E. paradoxa.

The nursery operates across two large greenhouses and approximately 2.5 acres of land, all situated within the prison grounds. For this reason the access to Cascina Bollate is restricted and can only be gained through organised visits, on designated public open days (Wednesdays and Fridays), or during gardening courses.

Cascina Bollate also includes a shop for visitors and an educational garden. An online catalog is available, where all products grown at the nursery can be purchased.

Biobab Nursery School

Biobab Nursery School.

The Biobab Nursery School is an education institution close to the Bollate Prison and it is known for its innovative preschool.
The nursery accepts children from a range of socio-economic backgrounds, including children from more ordinary households and children whose parents are prisoners at Bollate Prison, children of prison employees, and children from the local residential neighbourhood. This mix of student traits fosters a supportive atmosphere where children of all backgrounds can interact and learn from one another.

Children from two months to three years old can receive basic care and education at the facility. This program addresses the needs of families associated with the prison environment while integrating people from various socio-economic backgrounds.
It offers a variety of amenities intended to promote young children's growth and development. Children can participate in activities that foster tehir creativity and life skills in this large garden, which has multiple play areas, a charming hut for imaginative play, and a fully functional miniature kitchen.

Biobab contributes to social integration by giving inmate children the chance to engage with their peers, reducing stigmatisation and supporting family relationships.

Demographics

The general prison population description as well as demographic characteristics of the inmate population, including gender distribution, nationality, age, marital status, and educational attainment is crucial to understand the prison's philosophy.

Prison population and staff overview

In the prison, three main groups can be identified between detainees, policemen and operators. Among the detainees, there is subcategory the lifers, who receive a completely different treatment compared to other prison.

Detainees

Every inmate at Bollate requested to be transferred from different correctional facilities. Their admission was contingent upon their ability to gain from the progressive program offered at the prison. They were required to consent to specific terms and conditions of incarceration, which included sharing close living quarters with sex offenders. The number of inmates is typically between 1200 and 1250.

Type	Percentage
Common prisoners	62.46%
Sex offenders	26,98%
Women	10,61%

Policemen

The staffing plan of 560 officers is not being adhered to, counting 400 policemen. The detainees do not know the names of the agents for a psychological reason (to acquire the philosophy of equality) and for this reason officers are addressed by the same name title "assistente" (assistant).

Gender	Percentage
Male	90%
Female	10%

Operators

Operators have different functions and jobs. This category includes: professionals in charge of the educational activities in the prison; Civil employees that are in charge of bureaucratic and logistical tasks; Doctors and Paramedics (around 50) that collaborate in the ER; Accredited Volunteers who are trained to provide support to some departments; Occasional Visitors that enter the facility for a specific period of time like for events or activities.

Inmate population

The data reveals a notable gender disparity, with a predominance of male inmates. These demographic factors offer insight into the broader social and economic dynamics that contribute to patterns of incarceration.

Gender Distribution

Gender	Percentage of Inmates
Male	96%
Female	4%

Nationality

Nationality	Percentage of Inmates
Italian	68%
Foreign Nationals	32%

Age Distribution

Age Range	Percentage of Inmates
20-40 years	53%
41-50 years	24%
51+ years	23%

Marital Status

Marital Status	Percentage of Inmates
Married or Partnered	42%
Single	29%
Separated or Divorced	21%
Widowed	4%

Level of Education

Education Level	Percentage of Inmates
Elementary School	13%
Lower Secondary Education (Middle School)	53%
Upper Secondary Education (High School)	22%
University Degree	5%

Social reintroduction programs

The main objective of the prison is rehabilitation and reinsertion of the detainees in the community following Cesare Beccaria's ideals and the principles outlined in Article 115 of the Penitentiary Regulations.

The Open Prison idea

Bollate Prison is classified by criminal justice experts as an Open Prison. The biggest difference between Bollate and other "ordinary" prisons, is that inmates in Bollate can spend 10 to 12 hours a day outside their cells. In most other prisons, inmates are only allowed to spend about 4 hours outside their cells, which is the minimum required by law, following Luigi Pagano's idea. This is possible trough the use of electronic badges that permit the prisoners to move freely within the facility, enabling the access to their work or educational programs. There are certain groups of inmates whose supervision is not continuous, as they have established a trust-based relationship with the prison administration: these groups are not always under constant watch, and prison guards do not always maintain fixed posts. This approach is referred to as dynamic supervision. Because of this approach towards the inmates, the prison has been described as the Bollate Model by criminal justice experts.
The impact of Bollate Prison's progressive approach to incarceration is reflected in its low recidivism rate: ranked among the lowest in Italy. A 2014 study revealed that just 20 percent of those released from the prison are re-convicted within five years, a the national average is 70 percent.

Educational programs

The majority of detainees engage in productive and efficient activities, either through employment or education. They are offered opportunities to pursue secondary education, learn English, or work on their computer skills. Vocational training is also available, including courses in carpentry, electrical work, cooking, and welding. Inmates have the opportunity to join various agricultural and service cooperatives, both within and outside the prison. Bollate also runs a garden and cares for horses, both of which are used for therapeutic purposes.

In 2003 a course was held and funded by Cisco for inmates interested in becoming Internet experts to work on local area networks that run Cisco Systems Inc. hardware. It was asked to have at least basic English and computer science knowledge in order to access to the course. Both these subject could be learned within the prison.

University agreements

Formal agreements have been established to facilitate the university education of inmates, in collaboration with the University of Milan-Bicocca, the University of Milan (Statale), and Cattolica. A staff member oversees the administrative processes related to inmate enrolment, providing assistance with course materials and exam texts, as well as coordinating the scheduling and administration of exams.
The Clinica Legale at Bocconi University offers a program for law students to apply their legal knowledge in a real-world setting, particularly in the Bollate and San Vittore prisons. The program provides legal support for the inmates and encourages students to engage with issues of social justice, reintegration, and prison reform.

Employment programs

A large number of inmates are allowed to work outside the prison in accordance with Article 21 of the Italian Penitentiary System. On average, approximately 200 inmates participate in external employment opportunities.

Inmates who remain at Bollate for extended periods are more likely to receive opportunities for employment outside the prison and to be granted permission for daytime releases. Providing these job opportunities and supporting their transition into the labor market may significantly contribute to our findings.

This initiative is made possible through partnerships with various companies, formal agreements, and work grants provided by local municipalities or regional authorities. These efforts are managed by CELAV (Centro di Mediazione al Lavoro) and the AEI Cooperative, in collaboration with individual projects aimed at social reintegration. The institute also partners with the Seconda Chance project.

Socio-educational programs

CarteBollate newspaper

A newspaper created, written and financed by the inmates of the prison. The project began in 2002 and originated from the inmates' own ideas. With the support of the Cuminetti Association as publisher, they were able to realise the newspaper. The organisation Associazione Amici di CarteBollate has taken over the editorship. The editorial team, consisting of 25 people, including prisoners as well as volunteer professional journalists and communication experts, publishes the newspaper every two months and achieves a total circulation of 1,200 copies. The editor-in-chief of the newspaper is Susanna Ripamonti, while the graphic design is the responsibility of art director Federica Neeff.
The main aim of the newspaper is to create a new perspective on life in prison and to bridge the gap between the outside world and the prisoners that has arisen due to misunderstandings. The newspaper also serves as a means for internal democracy and open discussions between inmates and the prison administration.
The Lombardy Journalists' Association and the cooperation with the prison's legal department expanded the project in 2011. Together they organise training seminars on the portrayal of prisons in the media, aimed at journalism students and professionals. This initiative, which is supported by the Lombardy Prison Service, aims to establish ethical guidelines for fair and accurate reporting on prisons and crime.

The publication is an independent newspaper, duly registered with the court in Milan. It is mainly read by inmates and staff at Bollate Prison, but also has a wider readership. As well as being distributed within the prison, it is regularly sent by post to journalists, judges and other legal and judicial professionals. In addition, anyone who requests an edition can subscribe and receive the newspaper for a donation of €30 per year.

Living Library

Bollate Prison has a project called the Living Library. Instead of books there are people: prisoners become “living books” and visitors become “readers”.
The visitors listen to the inmates' stories, ask questions, and engage in dialogue. The aim is to humanize prisoners, helping the public see beyond the label of "criminal" and recognise the individual behind the offence. This interaction fosters mutual understanding and empathy. For prisoners, this project is a way to get the opportunity to express themselves, improve communication skills, and feel that their voices matter.
Society, in turn, learns to look at prisoners differently: not as outsiders, but as people who can also make mistakes, bbut as people capable of change and deserving of second chances.
In Bollate, the Living Library has become popular. People come to listen, understand, and perhaps change their attitude towards those who were previously judged only for their mistakes.

The "In prison against gender violence" project

The "In Prison Against Gender Violence" project is a social-educational initiative. It was launched by professionals from the prison's internal SerT team and is officially supported by the Lombardy Region's Parity Council. This three-month program was specifically designed for the prison environment, playing a key role in preparing inmates for their eventual reintegration into society.

The goal of the project is to provide an educational experience focused on preventing gender-based violence. Recognising the importance of raising awareness on this issue, the project organisers have developed a program that invests in resources for both prevention and education on gender violence. The primary objective is to increase awareness about violence against women, bringing together selected inmates and experts to foster a deeper understanding of the issue.

Popular culture

Documentary film

Title	Benvenuti in Galera
Genre	Docufilm
Director	Michele Rho
Subject	The "In Galera" restaurant at Bollate Prison
Screenplay	Michele Rho
Cast	Silvia (a female inmate), Davide (a prison chef who continued working there even after serving his sentence), Domingo (who became a pastry chef), Said (who founded a cleaning company), and other detenees.
Music	Dario Moroldo
Cinematography	Patrizio Saccò
Production	From 2021 to 2023, Italy
Runtime	73 minutes
Release Year	2023-2024
Language	Italian

Benvenuti in Galera is a documentary film that tells the story of the first restaurant ever established within a prison, located at the Bollate Prison in Italy. The film explores themes of personal transformation and the potential for redemption, illustrating how individuals can overcome past mistakes and rebuild their lives after incarceration.

The documentary provides an insight at the lives of the detainees, challenging stereotypes that often depict prisoners as irredeemable. Through the initiative of the prison's restaurant, inmates are offered the opportunity to develop new skills, gain a sense of purpose, and reintegrate into society. The film highlights the commitment of the inmates working in the kitchen, showing their determination to improve and contribute positively to the prison environment.
The film also emphasises the importance of second chances and the role that rehabilitation programs can play in helping individuals reintegrate after serving their sentences. The documentary presents a view of prison life and the potential for change, illustrating how inmates, despite their past crimes, can choose to pursue a new path and contribute to their communities.

Books and concerts

Books

There are two publications that provide in-depth insights into the innovative activities and rehabilitation-focused model of the Bollate Prison. These books examine the institution's approach to prisoner reintegration and the programs it has implemented to transform society.

Diritti e Castighi, storie di umanità cancellate in carcere

Th book Diritti e Castighi: storie di umanità cancellata in carcere (Rights and Punishments: stories of humanity cancelled in prison), by the former Bollate Prison's director, Lucia Castellano, and a journalist for the newspaper Il Sole 24 Ore Donatella Stasio, is a journey inside the prison among inmates, educators, prison officers, volunteers, and families. Each person shares his or her personal experience: dreams, achievements, failures and more. It also discusses those who have managed to rebuild their lives after prison, thanking those who “saved” them from falling into despair. Prison, then, is not just “a place where one ends up, but from where one can start again”.

The authors highlight the “system” of prisons that often prevents or fails to restore dignity to inmates and address their “rehabilitation.” The problems of the penitentiary world remain the same: overcrowding, poor hygiene, violence, waste, inadequate facilities, denied rights.

Per essere chiari

Logo of Pugnichiusi

The Pugni Chiusi (Closed Fists) project, launched in 2016 at Bollate Prison started as a boxing program for the detainees and has expanded into a book called Per essere chiari (To Be Clear), written by Antiniska Pozzi. The project's founder is Mirko Chiari, a volunteer at the prison, emphasises that boxing is a ay for the inmates to confront their inner challenges.
Chiari, who had a brief stint in prison at 19, was inspired by a conversation with a drug trafficker to leave a life of crime and pursue boxing. His experience with the sport led him to return to Bollate in 2016 as a volunteer, using boxing to promote values including discipline and self-improvement among inmates.
The project has received recognition, including a special mention at the 14th Canon Prize for sports photography.

Senza Sbarre

The book Senza sbarre (Without bars), Storia di un carcere aperto by Cosima Buccoliero, published by Einaudi in 2022, tells the story of the author's experience as the director of Bollate Prison, a penitentiary institution that represents an innovative model within the Italian prison system.
Through her narrative, Buccoliero explores the possibility of a more humane prison system, where detention is not merely a punishment but a path toward rehabilitation and social reintegration. The prison is described as a complex microcosm, inhabited by inmates, surveillance staff, volunteers, and families. Buccoliero places particular emphasis on the importance of providing tangible opportunities for personal growth, such as education programs, work, and training activities, highlighting the role of these initiatives in preventing recidivism and facilitating the reintegration of prisoners into society.
A central theme of the book is the approach taken toward life-sentenced prisoners. The author writes about decisions, such as the assignment of single rooms, that preserve respect and provide a sense of purpose, even for those condemned to life sentences. Buccoliero criticises the ergastolo ostativo (life imprisonment without parole), considering it an inhumane penalty that deprives inmates of any possibility of redemption.

Che sapore hanno i muri

The latest book by journalist working for RAI, Paolo Aleotti, Che sapore hanno i muri (What flavour do walls have), explores a "new perspective on prison, where understanding that one is dealing with a person rather than just a crime allows for a more grounded view". Aleotti visits the Bollate Correctional Institute in Milan, bringing his passion for radio and tv as a tool for escape and empowerment for those who are incarcerated. This was possible thanks to the request of the Antigone association, which suggested him to start teaching at the prison and start producing documentaries, both for radio and tv. After initially overcoming some reluctance, for three months he only observed the life inside the prison, falling in love with this experience.

Paolo Aleotti praises the prison for being one of the few, if not the only, prison in Italy that follow the Italian law, which actually admits the possibility of keeping the cells open.

The book follows Paolo Aleotti's experience within the prison, through the making of art of making radio and tv. Through its initiative, a space for dialogue and exchange is opened that transcends the barriers of initial distrust. The book is the result of this intense exchange, a work that amplifies the voices of the detainees, giving voice to their stories, their lives inside and outside of prison, and above all to their dreams for the future.

Documentaries like JAIL ovvero come mantenere vivi i sogni (JAIL, meaning how to keep dreams alive) were filmed in the prison, covering themes such as suffering, solitude, but also curiosity and new possibilities in a parallel life where prison can even, with all its pain, do good. The sense of time changes: from a negated time to an expanding time.

Concerts

On May 8, 2024, a concert took place at the prison, featuring the Italian rappers: Lazza, Jack the Smoker, Nitro, and Damianito, along with the inmates from the prison. The event provided the detainees with the opportunity to perform their own unreleased songs in front of a jury composed by the rappers.
This initiative aimed to equip prisoners with the tools to explore their musical interests while also offering workshops on the music industry to deepen their understanding of the sector.
The project was organised by E Ventures, Me Next, Next Show, Neverest, and Cooperativa Articolo 3.

Notable inmates

A number of notable inmates have been incarcerated in Bollate Prison:

Inmate	Incarceration	Summary
Massimo Bossetti	July 1, 2016	Massimo Bossetti is an Italian man convicted of the murder of Yara Gambirasio. Bossetti was arrested in June 2014 after DNA evidence linked him to the crime scene. He was subsequently convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment in July 2016.
Giacomo Bozzoli	July 11, 2024	Giacomo Bozzoli was arrested after a period of being a fugitive for the premeditated murder of his uncle, Mario Bozzoli.
Renato Vallanzasca	February 15, 1977	Renato Vallanzasca is regarded as one of Italy's most infamous criminals, who has been detained for over 50 years. Vallanzascali was associated with the "Years of Lead" and the leader of the Comasina gang, responsible for a series of violent crimes, including robberies, kidnappings, and murders. Incarcerated in Milan's Bollate prison, the surveillance court of Milan has ruled to move him to a nursing home where he will be held under home detention due to his poor health.
Alberto Stasi	September 24, 2007	In 2015, Alberto Stasi received a 16-year prison sentence for the 2007 murder of his girlfriend, Chiara Poggi, and has been held in Bollate prison since December 2015. He was initially acquitted in both 2009 and 2011. Both court rulings were later overturned, and his final sentence included a one-third reduction in sentence.
Salvatore Parolisi	July 19, 2011	Salvatore Parolisi was arrested for the murder of his wife, Melania Rea, on 19 July 2011. Rea was murdered on 18 April 2011 and found two days later in a forest near Ascoli Piceno. In October 2012, he was sentenced to life imprisonment for murder. In 2015, the sentence was reduced to 20 years.
Rosa Bazzi	January 8, 2007	On December 11, 2006, Rosa Bazzi and Olindo Romano were found guilty of the multiple murders of 2-year-old Youssef Marzouk, his mother Raffaella Castagna, his grandmother Paola Galli, and Valeria Cherubini, a neighbour of the woman and her partner Azouz Marzouk.This event is known as Strage di Erba.
Michele Misseri	October 6, 2010	Michele Misseri was sentenced to 8 years for corpse disposal and evidence tampering in the Avetrana murder case.
Donato Bilancia	May 6, 1998	Donato Bilancia was an Italian serial killer, known for committing 17 murders in Liguria and Piedmont between 1997 and 1998. He was nicknamed "the train serial killer" due to some of the murders taking place aboard regional trains.
Marco Bergamo	August 6,1992	Marco Bergamo, who was known as ‘Monster’, was arrested in August 1992 for five murders of women committed between 1985 and 1995. The evidence led to a sentence of four life sentences. Bergamo died in October 2017 at the age of 51 after being hospitalised for a lung condition.
Fabrizio Corona	March 13, 2007	Fabrizio Corona has been arrested multiple times over the years, primarily due to crimes related to his paparazzi activity, but also for legal issues involving extortion, tax fraud, and violations of probation conditions.
Luigi Ciavardini	February 19, 1993	Luigi Ciavardini was sentenced to 30 years for the Bologna massacre, 13 years for the murder of police officer Francesco Evangelista, and 10 years for the assassination of Judge Mario Amato.
Giuseppe Graviano	January 27, 1994	Giuseppe Graviano is a notorious Italian criminal and one of the most prominent members of Cosa Nostra, the Sicilian Mafia. He is known for his involvement in some of the most significant and violent events in Italy during the 1990s, particularly the 1992 and 1993 bombings that targeted prominent figures and institutions.

External links

• Official website of the prison
• Carte Bollate newspaper website
• InGalera website
• Ministry of Justice (Italy)
• Court of Justice of the European Union
• European Court of Human Rights

See also

• Bollate City
• World Prison Brief
• Habeas Corpus
• Italian Judiciary
• Italian Red Cross
• HM Prison Ford – Category D men's prison in West Sussex, England
• HM Prison Castle Huntly – Prison near Dundee, Scotland