Dhaoui Lassoued, a 30-year-old Tunisian man, died on August 10, 2026, while in detention at the Centro di Permanenza per il Rimpatrio (CPR) in Palazzo San Gervasio, Italy. His sister, Sana Lassoued, has spoken out about her brother's tragic death, saying that his suffering was ignored despite being evident even in photos. Dhaoui had been in and out of detention centers in Italy several times before his death.
According to documents obtained by Altreconomia, Dhaoui had been detained four times in seven months prior to his death. He had been declared unfit for detention three times due to his mental health. On February 4, 2026, Dhaoui reported insomnia and was prescribed Tavor, an anxiety medication. However, his condition continued to deteriorate, and he was prescribed additional medications.
Dhaoui's detention history reveals a pattern of neglect and inadequate care. On February 23, 2026, he experienced another episode of psychomotor agitation and was transferred to a hospital after reporting being attacked by other detainees. A medical evaluation on February 26, 2026, found that he had a "psychophysical altered state" and was declared unfit for detention.
Despite being declared unfit for detention, Dhaoui was again detained on June 15, 2026. However, just a day later, he was released after a medical evaluation found him to be unfit for detention once more. Less than two months later, on August 6, 2026, Dhaoui was detained for the fourth time at the CPR in Palazzo San Gervasio.
According to three other detainees, Dhaoui was not provided with adequate care or accommodations despite his known mental health issues. He was made to sleep on the football field of the center rather than being placed in a designated housing module. His repeated requests for access to his medical records were ignored by the center's management.
Dhaoui's death on August 10, 2026, was met with shock and outrage. His sister Sana has called for justice and recognition of the pain suffered by her family. She has also become an advocate for the rights of those still detained in such centers, saying, "Today, I am the voice of all the people still locked up in these places. We want justice. We want the pain of a family that has brutally lost its brother to be recognized."
The case has raised concerns about the treatment of migrants in Italian detention centers and the adequacy of medical care provided to those in detention. An investigation into Dhaoui's death is expected to shed more light on the circumstances surrounding his tragic demise.
Key points
- Dhaoui Lassoued's death highlights the need for improved medical care and oversight in Italian detention centers.
- The Tunisian man's sister, Sana, has become an advocate for the rights of those detained in such centers.
- Dhaoui's case has raised concerns about the treatment of migrants in Italian detention centers and the adequacy of medical care provided.
