The arrival of prisoners under the 41 bis regime at Badu 'e Carros risks changing the face of the Nuoro prison.
This is the main finding emerging from the visit of Monsignor Antonello Mura, Bishop of Nuoro and Lanusei, who today met with inmates and celebrated the liturgy inside the institution.
"At Badu 'e Carros I found an air of demobilization," the bishop observed. "It may not be completely evident, but you can sense it, you can breathe it."
An impression also linked to the smaller number of inmates present compared to previous visits and to the moods that clearly emerged.
"I've grasped what they're experiencing: for some, moving helps them find places closer to where they come from, for others it means being subjected to a sudden relocation, with no certainties and many questions."
In his speech, Monsignor Mura also returned to the role of the Church in the debate that accompanied the prison reorganization.
"That it was the Church's voice that triggered a series of reflections demonstrates that the Church is free to speak," he said, "but it also shows that, if there were specific plans, the intervention came later. This doesn't reassure anyone."
The most delicate point, however, concerns the prospect of a prison exclusively dedicated to those subject to the 41 bis regime. During his visit, the bishop also met with inmates under the special regime. "It's not that there isn't a 41 bis regime for security reasons and for many other reasons," he clarified. "The problem is having a prison exclusively dedicated to those subject to the 41 bis regime."
According to the bishop, this transformation risks distorting a reality that over the years has maintained a strong human dimension.
"In the context of this prison, which is humane thanks to the volunteers and the presence of many educational aspects, having only a prison so dedicated seems to me not to make it humane."
And again: "Above all, it takes away the possibility of a prisoner within the city having any connection with reality."
A call that extends beyond the institution's walls. "When we walk around here," he added, "we should think of a prison that re-educates, not just destroys people, even if only for a period of time we don't know."
Regarding possible reconsiderations, the bishop doesn't hide the limitations of his role : "They don't depend on me or on us." But his hope remains clear: "I would like to be proven wrong on Article 41 bis, for the reasons I've stated."
The final message is tied to the Christmas season. "God's message I brought is that Christmas is truly marked by great attention to people, no matter what their situation."
(Unioneonline/Fr. Me.)
