Operation Klepsydra in Alessandria

Operation Klepsydra is the transfer, carried out by the Mobile Operations Group of the Penitentiary Police, of dozens of inmates held under the 41 bis special detention regime to the San Michele prison in Alessandria. The operation is carried out on 24 and 25 October 2026 and is the third transfer of this kind, after those carried out at the Vigevano and Cagliari prisons, as part of the reorganisation of the special detention regime launched by the Penitentiary Police about a year earlier ^[1].

The operation

The undersecretary for Justice and senator for Fratelli d'Italia, Alberto Balboni, states that the measure aims to concentrate inmates under the 41 bis regime in dedicated, highly monitored facilities, to prevent any outside contact for crime bosses while ensuring continuity of custody, healthcare and the recovery of new detention places ^[1]. Balboni thanks the staff of the Mobile Operations Group and of the Penitentiary Police who took part in the operation, describing it as part of the Meloni government's line on fighting organised crime and managing high-security facilities ^[1].

The reaction of the Municipality of Alessandria

The mayor of Alessandria, Giorgio Abonante, criticises the transfer, calling it a decision made by the government without consultation with the local community. According to the mayor, the operation has already had a negative impact on the educational, training and professional projects active in the San Michele prison, carried on for decades by local people and associations ^[2]. Abonante refers to the case of Sardinia, where a similar transfer met with opposition from both the president of the Region and all political parties, while in Alessandria he says he has been left isolated in his protest, amid silence or downplaying by right-wing political forces ^[2].

Related articles: Alessandria

Sources

1. Carceri: Balboni, 'trasferiti boss mafiosi ad Alessandria, comanda lo Stato' — ANSA Piemonte, 25 October 2026
2. Sindaco Alessandria, no al trasferimento detenuti al 41bis nel carcere cittadino — ANSA Piemonte, 25 October 2026