Despite a very good normative framework, Italy's penal system still fails foreigners, especially those who don’t speak Italian. This is according to research by Liberties member Antigone, which studied the very first phases of penal proceedings, beginning with an arrest and ending a few day later with the validation hearing. The problems highlighted in the research include the poor organisation of translation services, the limited time detainees are given to speak with their lawyer, and the limited use of alternatives to detention.

Here is an article with the main findings of the research.