George Marrogi Secures Supreme Court Victory Over Prison Conditions
George Marrogi, a prisoner serving a 38-year sentence for murder and drug trafficking, has secured a Supreme Court victory against the Victorian government concerning his conditions of detention. Justice Claire Harris ruled that Marrogi was deprived of adequate open-air access and experienced privacy breaches during strip searches. The judgment indicates that parts of maximum-security units at Barwon Prison and the Metropolitan Remand Centre may require modification to comply with regulations.
Court Findings on Prison Conditions
Justice Claire Harris found that several exercise yards in Barwon Prison's Olearia, Melaleuca, and Acacia units, as well as the Metropolitan Remand Centre's Exford unit, did not meet legislative requirements for open-air access. These findings covered the period between May 2023 and September 2023.
Specifically, cell 23 in the Exford Unit was described as "enclosed," offering limited movement and views confined to the sky through a mesh roof.
The court determined that cell 23 in the Exford Unit did not provide a "sense of being outdoors."
Similar assessments were made for two rear yards in Barwon Prison's Melaleuca unit and three in the Acacia unit, which were described as "small" and lacking a "real feeling of being outdoors."
Conversely, Justice Harris noted that other exercise yards within the Olearia and Acacia units were found to be compliant, allowing visible sky, breezes, sunlight, and outdoor sounds.
Marrogi's legal team argued that these conditions breached his rights by denying sufficient outdoor exercise and opportunities for social interaction. Marrogi stated that the concrete walls and lack of open air in these yards contributed to a sense of depression.
Strip Search Violations
In addition to the open-air access findings, Justice Harris also ruled that Marrogi's rights were violated on numerous occasions between May 2023 and June 2025, where he was not permitted to dress privately immediately following strip searches.
Prisoner's Claims and Segregation
Marrogi has been held separately from the general prison population for nine years.
He claims his treatment is "inhumane and degrading."
According to court documents, he typically spends approximately 23 hours daily in his cell. His barrister stated that his classification as a high-risk prisoner results in prolonged periods without face-to-face interaction, with a Jewish chaplain reportedly speaking to him through a trap door. Marrogi has alleged that this segregation has led him to become fixated on the motives of prison staff.
He also reported experiencing other issues, including being left unclothed in his cell, non-compliant strip searches, hunger strikes without a visit from the prison governor, and sleep deprivation. Activities with other inmates in his segregation unit were reportedly limited to crosswords.
Marrogi believes his treatment stems from prison authorities' alleged embarrassment over a past drug trafficking operation he ran while incarcerated. He filed the lawsuit seeking improved prison conditions, greater access to open air, and increased freedom while in custody.
Corrections Victoria's Response and Prisoner History
Authorities for Corrections Victoria contended that Marrogi's past conduct and ongoing security risk justified the conditions of his detention. Marrogi is currently serving a 38-year sentence for murder and drug smuggling and is considered a high-risk prisoner.
Corrections Victoria stated that attempts were made to transfer Marrogi to the mainstream prison population in 2019 and 2022, but these were unsuccessful, reportedly due to Marrogi declining meetings or initiating fires in his cells. A psychologist assessing Marrogi noted his reported obsession, fixation, and paranoia regarding prison staff.
Past incidents involving Marrogi include a foiled helicopter escape plan in 2022, and incidents in 2024 where he sprayed a prison guard with faeces and set his cell on fire twice. Corrections Victoria noted that Marrogi's handcuff protocols were reduced, and his privileges increased by late 2024. A "serious security incident" in September 2025 was cited by Corrections Victoria as leading to a new risk assessment.
Next Steps
The case is scheduled to return to court for further declarations.