24 June 2008

Security Priorities

From the beginning we have been clear on this topic, that is about the Security Package.
In that Security Package, that has been made up partly of decrees and partly of draft laws, there are many things that we agree with, so much so that today we have decided that I myself who will be the one to speak in the Chamber and in Committee, because we don’t want to be depicted as those who are always against the grain and always contrary out of an anti-berlusconian spirit.

In that Security Package, half of the measures laid out among the draft laws and the decrees are, not just according to me, but according to Minister Maroni, measures that were already approved in the Council of Ministers of the Prodi government. Thus we want these measures to be approved and we want to help and do our duty in Parliament so that these measures are approved straight away. This is why we want there to be a discussion of the merits of this last-minute amendment and we want there to be a good reflection on what a great violation of rights has been brought in, in relation to a theme that all citizens feel that is security for the country.

We don’t agree, we are against and we will oppose in every situation, both for reasons of merit in relation to the proposals that have been formulated – the proposals to suspend trials for a year and the suspension of trials against those in the highest positions in the State, also for what relates to the current President of the Council.

For reasons of method because in the case of a decree, the decree must take place using urgency about what is causing fear for the citizens, for their problems. Resolving the problems of Berlusconi is something that interests him, not the citizens. For the citizens what’s important is to take action about security so that there is no more rape, sexual violence, kidnapping, violence and so many other crimes below ten years that can create social alarm. This is why we believe that there are not the pre-requisites for urgency that necessitate a decree, and nor are there those requirements relating to the issue of security.

We are totally against the principle by which there is inserted among the serious crimes for which proceedings are not to go on, the so-called crime of corruption in judicial acts by a person who holds the position of President of the Council. If there is a serious crime, apart from those against the person, like murder, kidnapping, carnal violence, if there is a prime serious crime it is exactly corruption in judicial affairs carried out by the leader of the executive who interferes with a witness. Now we don’t know whether or not this has taken place, but there is a trial in progress that has arrived at the end of its activities. I believe that it is right for this trial to conclude and not be blocked. This would be a great injustice.

We are among those, of the minority or the majority, who will see by means of a referendum where the truth lies, that we think that the law must be equal for everyone and if there is a President of the Council who is on trial, he should be judged sooner rather than later.

Posted by Antonio Di Pietro in Society