The NGO Antigone organized the first Italian conference on religious rights in prison, attended by the head of Italian prisons and by representatives of several religions.

Antigone's conference on religious rights in prison was held on February 15. The topic is notably relevant in Italy because of the concordat with the Catholic Church. Spokespersons for many religions participated, save for the head of the Penitentiary Administration.

Everyone presented proposals and ideas in order to guarantee an easier access to religion to prisoners. The reflection was open within the ongoing political reform context. Indeed, the debate on the law changes raises many questions.

The general answer shared by Antigone and the participants is clear: religion is a right for everyone. Moreover, safeguarding it by law is the only way to face radicalization inside prisons in a rational manner.

Open access

Firstly, religion must be considered a right for all the prisoners, not only the Catholic ones. Basically, the representatives of all religions must be allowed to easily enter prisons. This access must be open and not dependent on specific agreement between the religion and the Italian State.

Furthermore, prison law must change: religion can never be considered as part of the treatment, but as a proper prisoner's right.

Religious practice is not one of the activities a prisoner can carry out in order to prepare for their release. Religion is first and foremost a right.

Radicalization

Secondly, in the present European context, considering religion as a right should be a way to fight against prisoners' radicalization in a rational manner.

Overlooking some prisoners' religion means taking the risk that they become radicalized. A more open attitude to religion is necessary to ensure that moderate speech is launched.

The participants of the conference agreed to start major work on all these issues.