Debate Over Converting Peschiera Military Prison Sparks Community Concerns
The news of the possible transformation of the military prison into a civilian detention center has caused considerable buzz and concern among the population.
In the streets of the historic center, yesterday morning, one could hear unanimous comments from the people, who were not at all inclined to support such a measure.
The idea of conversion had started circulating a few weeks ago, also appearing in statements made during a radio broadcast by Pietro Ruzzante, a member of the House Justice Committee.
Official indications and local reactions
The proposal, one among many possible uses for the facility which is scheduled to close at the end of next June, suddenly turned into a real threat after the confirmation of a visit by two officials from the Ministry of Grace and Justice next Wednesday.
The news came from Rome to Mayor Umberto Chincarini, who, as a parliamentarian, prepared a question hoping it will be among those to receive an answer in the chamber as early as next Wednesday.
“The questions are simple: whether there is indeed this intention and whether it would not be more appropriate to extend the closure process,” explains the mayor.
“We hope the responses will reassure us, given that transforming the penitentiary would significantly harm our town, jeopardizing all plans for the redevelopment of the historic center and the oldest part, the Rocca, which also hosted Dante and forms part of the current military complex.”
Community concerns and proposals
But the alarm about the fate of the military prison is certainly not limited to the facility itself.
In recent days, there have been initial transfers, as Fra Beppe Prioli reports. He has been working among the inmates for years and recently went to Rome to discuss this issue directly with the Minister of Defense.
“The entire Verona Church is concerned about the situation in Peschiera, as demonstrated by the interest of Father Flavio Roberto Carraro, the bishop,” says Fra Beppe.
He explained to the minister that it is a “conscience issue, because lives are at stake—the lives of these men and their families.”
“I asked to extend the deadline for the closure while seeking a suitable solution that considers the fact that the North needs a reference military prison.”
“A son cannot travel more than a thousand kilometers to meet his father; sending these inmates to Santa Maria Capuavetere would mean condemning them to civil death, leading a life of isolation from the isolated.”
In Rome, Fra Beppe proposed the possibility of an alternative facility, the military hospital of Verona.
“Since the court remains operational, along with military personnel,” explains the friar, “an existing building that requires no major renovations could be used, while waiting for the ministry to designate the final location for the prison, presuming it cannot remain in Peschiera anymore.”