In presenting the new car of the penalty, the Under-Secretary for Justice accepts considerations that are similar to the recommendation of torture. Fratelli d’Italia defends it: «Just a metaphor that exploits the opposition». Who comes back to ask him to quit
These words of the Undersecretary of Justice Andrea Delmastro, who announced the presentation of the new Penal Police vehicle to transport prisoners under the 41 bis regime, are a political situation.
The first to express the importance of the concept expressed – “we don’t let it breathe… personal joy” – is the leader of Italy Viva Matteo Renzi who asks to resign from the Watch: «The day the Undersecretary was Delmastro is embarrassed that it will be too late anyway. But in the meantime let him rest. Right away. They are shameful, terrible words, unworthy of a man who should respect the Constitution and the rule of law.”
Walter Verini, leader of the PD group in Anti-Mafia, finds the words of the Undersecretary very serious, as «ignoring the principles and content of article 27 of the Constitution. And those words contradict the basic work of the prison’s police staff, who carry out their duties every day in very difficult conditions.”
The heads of the justice commissions Valentina D’Orso and Ada Lopreiato of the M5S write that Delmastro’s words « have nothing to do with the certainty of the sentence; and his posthumous explanation of an alleged reference to non-attraction towards the mafia is ridiculous since various mafia bosses who cannot be reduced due to the life imprisonment law imposed by the Meloni government are roaming around Italy in semi-freedom or on holiday on reward. “.
There was also anger on the part of the ACLI, with the national president Emiliano Manfredonia writing: «The words of the Undersecretary regarding a member of the government of a civilized country are not worthy and they are in contrast to the spirit of the Constitution». «To say - he continues – that the smoked windows of the police cars “do not allow the people loaded on them to breathe”, and that this fills him with “personal joy”, is an expression of a brutal and contemptuous spirit. the rights recognized by the Constitution for all citizens”.
Donzelli’s defense
Speculate on FdI’s exasperation in defense of the Under-Secretary. Many party colleagues speak of “metaphor” and “exploitation” by the opposition. In particular, the deputy Giovanni Donzelli says that «the words of Delmastro in the presence of the vehicles for the transfer of mafiosi and terrorists to the hard prison regime the meaning is very clear not to give relief and breathing space to the mafiosi under 41 bis and therefore to organize. crime as a whole. The left raises surreal controversies to try again to pollute the political debate to weaken the Meloni government’s defense of 41 bis.” Donzelli’s reference to 41 bis is no accident. Undersecretary Delmastro is on trial for revealing official secrets The case broke out when Donzelli himself reported to the Chamber on January 31, 2023 the contents of several conversations that took place in the Sassari prison where Cospito was being held before he was transferred to the Opera prison for health reasons t anarchist with Camorra and ‘Ndrangheta leaders under 41bis and how to get changes to the harshest detention regime. According to the prosecution, it was his party comrade Andrea Delmastro who gave Donzelli those secret records, so that he could publicized in the Chamber to attack the opposition parliamentarians who visited Cospito in prison.
What are the legal implications of Under-Secretary Delmastro’s remarks on the treatment of prisoners in Italy?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Legal Expert Dr. Lucia Ferri
Time.news Editor: Good morning, Dr. Ferri. Thank you for joining us today to discuss the recent remarks made by Under-Secretary of Justice Andrea Delmastro regarding the new Penal Police vehicle designed to transport prisoners. His comments have sparked considerable controversy. What are your thoughts on his statement that likens the prisoners’ experience to a form of torture?
Dr. Lucia Ferri: Good morning! Yes, Under-Secretary Delmastro’s comments have certainly stirred up a lot of emotions and discussions. When he talks about “not letting them breathe,” it raises significant ethical and legal concerns. Such metaphors can be interpreted as dehumanizing and suggest a punitive rather than rehabilitative approach to justice. This goes against the fundamental principles outlined in our Constitution.
Time.news Editor: Exactly! Many politicians, including Matteo Renzi, have called for Delmastro’s resignation, labeling his words as “shameful” and “unworthy.” Do you think his remarks reflect a deeper issue within the current administration’s approach to justice?
Dr. Lucia Ferri: Absolutely. These kinds of statements reveal a troubling trend in disregard for human rights and the values enshrined in our Constitution, particularly Article 27, which emphasizes the principle of rehabilitation in the penal system. When government officials make flippant remarks about punishment, it sends a message that the state may prioritize retribution over justice and dignity.
Time.news Editor: That’s a significant concern. Walter Verini pointed out that Delmastro’s comments undermine the daily work of prison staff who face immense challenges. How do you think such rhetoric impacts those working within the justice system?
Dr. Lucia Ferri: It creates confusion and undermines morale among law enforcement and prison staff. When the leadership makes statements that seem to trivialize the serious work required in these roles, it can lead to disillusionment. The staff needs support and acknowledgment of their challenging environment, not ridicule or statements that resonate with cruelty or inhumanity.
Time.news Editor: The leaders of the anti-mafia commissions expressed concerns that Delmastro’s later explanation of his remarks—suggesting they referred to resisting mafia influence—was seen as inadequate. What implications does this have for the fight against organized crime?
Dr. Lucia Ferri: It’s crucial that the conversation about organized crime is approached seriously and with a commitment to the rule of law. When officials attempt to downplay or misinterpret their statements, it detracts from the gravity of the situation. Instead of genuinely addressing how to effectively combat mafia-related issues, we get sidetracked by political posturing, which doesn’t help anyone, especially not the victims of such crimes.
Time.news Editor: Indeed. Emiliano Manfredonia from ACLI also stressed that such rhetoric is incompatible with the spirit of our Constitution. What should be the focus moving forward, given the various reactions to Delmastro’s comments?
Dr. Lucia Ferri: Moving forward, we must emphasize a return to constitutional values and human dignity. This involves engaging in constructive dialogue about prison reform, effective rehabilitation programs, and addressing the real issues surrounding organized crime. It’s essential for leaders to foster a culture of respect for human rights, which includes thoughtful discourse and policies aimed at true justice rather than mere punishment.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Ferri, for your insights on this pressing issue. It seems more crucial than ever to ensure that our dialogue and policies reflect a commitment to justice and human rights.
Dr. Lucia Ferri: Thank you for having me. It’s imperative that we keep the discussion going and hold our leaders accountable to the standards set by our Constitution.