Gianni Alemanno, the former mayor of Rome, has emerged as an unlikely advocate for prison reform in Italy. After serving 18 months in prison for influence-peddling and abuse of office, Alemanno is speaking out about the need for change in the country’s overcrowded and neglected prison system.

Alemanno’s Experience

Alemanno was released from Rome’s Rebibbia prison on June 24 and has since joined forces with Roberto Vannacci, a former army general and anti-woke campaigner. Vannacci has expressed hawkish views on crime, stating that those who commit serious crimes should face rigorous and prolonged sentences.

During his time in prison, Alemanno documented the alleged abuses and inefficiencies of the prison system through a Facebook diary he co-authored with a fellow inmate. He has denounced the squalid living conditions, staff shortages, and lack of educational or training opportunities for inmates.

Prison Reform Efforts

Alemanno’s efforts to push for prison reform come as the Italian government has pledged to expand prison capacity and facilitate the transfer of inmates with addiction problems to treatment centers. However, no new prison places have been created, and the draft law on the transfer of inmates is still under discussion.

Alemanno remains hopeful that some progress can be made, even without the help of his new ally Vannacci. He believes that prison reform is a bipartisan issue that must bring together left and right.

Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.