A 23-year-old man of Albanian origin, who escaped from Brindisi prison on Thursday morning, was arrested a few hours later after an extensive search operation conducted by Italian law enforcement.
The news of the escape of the young Albanian, Xhuljano Quku, was initially made public by the penitentiary police union SAPPE and was later confirmed by the authorities.
According to the reconstruction of the event, the young man took advantage of the opening of the walking yard to overcome the security wall and leave the penitentiary institution.
The union claims that the escape was facilitated by a lack of personnel, as the police officer on duty was forced to cover several positions simultaneously.
“The police officer on duty had to simultaneously supervise the walking yard and other prison wards, including a sector with prisoners under high surveillance,” SAPPE stated.
The union has also raised concerns about overcrowding and lack of staff at Brindisi prison, stressing that the current number of officers is insufficient to guarantee the security of the institution.
Arrest after several hours of search
After the escape, authorities immediately launched a search operation throughout the province of Brindisi. After a few hours, the 23-year-old was located and arrested in Latiano, the area where his girlfriend lives.
The operation was carried out by agents of the Mesagne Police Station and prison police officers, with the support of the Carabinieri.
According to Italian media, the young man lived in Mesagne before his arrest a few months ago. He was serving a sentence for criminal offenses related to possession of narcotics with intent to distribute and opposing a public official.
Meanwhile, SAPPE has warned that it will file a report with the competent authorities regarding the personnel situation and security conditions at Brindisi prison.