13 August 2007

Easy Prison Releases

I’m publishing part of the interview given to la Repubblica on the easy prison releases.
ADP: Let’s have no more politicians asking for zero tolerance and checks on the magistrates that apply the law. Let them change the laws rather than asking for inspections..
R: But Di Pietro excuse me, what is it that you yourself are saying?
ADP: I repeat. Let’s have no more politicians asking for zero tolerance on every occasion but in reality they are doing this just to make a good impression in the newspapers given that in Parliament do they don’t then act consistently.
R: And who are they?
ADP: No names, I would have to give all of them or almost all. Because hundreds of deputies and even ministers who asked for rigour, a firm hand and then nothing.
R: For example?
ADP: All those who signed for the pardon, just as a recent example.
R: But now they are talking of magistrates who have freed fire setters and drunken car drivers.
ADP: Everyone is well able to criticise and say that certain things are not right. In reality each of has their own competencies.
R: So different competencies?
ADP: The question is this: if a magistrate has freed an arsonist or someone responsible for culpable homicide it’s not the fault o fthe magistrate but of the regulations that allow it.
R: The laws need changing?
ADP: Exactly.
R: And how?
ADP: Zero tolerance should be included in the laws and don’t ask the magistrates to do what they cannot do if the law doesn’t allow it. They can’t just invent it.
R: What do you suggest?
ADP: In this case the arrest and preventive detention in prison for those who are found to be driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
R: Anyway?
ADP: To give a greater sense of respecting the law it would be necessary to it would be enough to have preventive detention according to the seriousness of the actions and that’s it.
R: Why, what is it like now?
ADP: Now there is preventive detention only if there is a social danger or the possibility of the crime being committed again or the of flight.
R: How’s that?
ADP: A husband who kills his wife and goes to give himself up doesn’t get put in prison because he hasn’t escaped and since the woman is dead, he cannot repeat the crime.

Posted by Antonio Di Pietro in Justice