Prison guard union Sappe said Friday
that a 43-year-old hunger-striking Nigerian woman who was being
held at Turin's Vallette jail had died overnight.
"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.
"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 exchanged for
prevention".
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