Italy’s Justice Ministry said it may move up to 10,105 prisoners—roughly 15% of the inmate population—onto alternative regimes such as house arrest or probation, aiming to bring relief to one of Europe’s most overcrowded prison systems. The measure would be limited to inmates whose convictions are final, have less than two years left to serve and have maintained good conduct for at least 12 months. Prisoners convicted of terrorism, organised crime, rape, migrant trafficking or kidnapping would remain in custody. Italy’s 190 detention facilities hold about 62,400 people against a capacity of 51,000, an occupancy rate near 122%. The strain has drawn scrutiny after a surge in prisoner suicides and complaints about stifling summer heat in cells lacking air-conditioning. The ministry has appointed a taskforce to coordinate with wardens and parole judges, meeting weekly and expected to present an initial progress report by September. While early releases are politically contentious, officials stressed the plan enforces existing rules rather than granting a blanket amnesty.