Gianni Alemanno, the former mayor of Rome, has been sharing his experiences from Rebibbia prison through his "Diario dal carcere" (Prison Diary) on social media, providing a unique glimpse into life behind bars. Since his arrest on New Year's Eve 2024 for violating court-imposed obligations, Alemanno, who was convicted of illegal influence peddling as part of the Mondo di Mezzo investigation, has been documenting his reflections on the communal life within the prison.
As of March 31, 2025, Alemanno is on his 90th day of detention. In his latest letter, he describes the harsh realities of prison life, including being confined in a cell with six other inmates, lacking basic amenities such as hot water. "We live in a dilapidated space, where everything is shared—from food supplies to daily chores and emotional support," he writes, emphasizing the intense communal experience that develops among inmates.
In his reflections, Alemanno notes the established hierarchy among inmates, where older prisoners dictate rules for cleanliness and daily tasks, irrespective of their educational backgrounds or social origins. He points out that these rules are self-imposed yet strictly followed, creating an organized environment amidst the chaos of prison life.
"There is a continuous artisanal effort by each inmate to improve living conditions, despite the dire state of our cells, which are equipped with six bunk beds and a toilet located in the same room as the kitchen," Alemanno explains. He also highlights the lack of air conditioning, making the already challenging living conditions even more unbearable during the heat of summer.
Alemanno's observations extend to the creativity of inmates who repurpose materials to enhance their daily lives. "Every piece of wood, every can, and every rubber band is ingeniously utilized to solve practical problems in a life that feels like a cross between camping and living in a cave," he remarks. He particularly praises the culinary skills of inmates from Calabria, noting that their improvised meals often surpass the quality of takeout food available outside prison.
Despite the bleak circumstances, Alemanno expresses a sense of hope for rehabilitation. He believes that the communal nature of prison life can foster a spirit of re-education, as outlined in Article 27 of the Italian Constitution. However, he also criticizes the failure of institutions to effectively harness this potential, lamenting the lack of coherence and continuity in rehabilitation programs that should lead to alternative sentencing options.
"It is a shame when the institutions responsible for these matters do not succeed in valuing these potentials, failing to provide the necessary support for rehabilitation pathways to be successful," he states. Alemanno's criticism extends to lawmakers and those responsible for implementing laws, urging them to do more to address the systemic issues within the prison system.
In a poignant moment, he reflects on the emotional toll of imprisonment, stating, "Those who give up become the living dead." He underscores the importance of maintaining a will to participate in prison activities, which not only help pass the time but also provide inmates with a sense of purpose and hope for a better future.
Alemanno's posts have garnered attention, as he continues to engage in political discourse despite his circumstances. He has expressed solidarity with fellow political figures, including Marine Le Pen, and maintains that the sovereignist movement he represents will persist even from behind bars.
The former mayor's situation sheds light on the broader issues of prison overcrowding and the urgent need for reform in the Italian penal system. In a previous letter, Alemanno discussed a special session of the Chamber focused on prison emergencies, highlighting the disconnect between political promises and the harsh realities faced by inmates.
He poignantly remarks, "Despite years of disappointments, they still believed in politics, hoping for a signal of attention to a truly undignified and unsustainable situation. But that signal never came." This sentiment resonates deeply within the context of ongoing discussions about prison reform and the need for humane treatment of inmates.
As Alemanno prepares to spend at least another year in Rebibbia, his reflections serve as a reminder of the complexities of life in prison and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. His writings not only document his personal journey but also call for a critical examination of the systemic issues that plague the Italian prison system.
In conclusion, Gianni Alemanno's "Diario dal carcere" provides a rare insight into the realities of incarceration, highlighting both the struggles and the communal bonds formed within the prison walls. His advocacy for reform and rehabilitation underscores the need for a more compassionate approach to justice, one that recognizes the humanity of those who find themselves behind bars.
