Foggia is preparing to host an event of great civil and social importance: the Oratory Marathon which will be held on 18 June 2024 in the square of the Palace of Justice. The initiative, promoted by the Union of Italian Criminal Chambers (UCPI), will see the participation of numerous local and national authorities, as well as representatives of the legal and academic world.
The event is part of a series of events that UCPI is organizing in various Italian cities to raise awareness among public opinion and institutions on human rights issues within prisons, with a particular focus on the dramatic phenomenon of suicides among the prisoners. In fact, in the first months of 2024 alone, 38 cases of suicide were recorded in Italian prisons, a figure that pushed the Union to mobilize with greater intensity (ekuonews.it) (Centro Abruzzo News).
The program of the day
The oratory marathon will begin at 9:00 am and will continue until late afternoon, alternating interventions by lawyers, magistrates, politicians, and activists. The confirmed speakers include the Vice President of the Regional Council Antonio Blasioli and the President of the UCPI, who will open the event with introductory speeches aimed at outlining the current critical issues of the Italian prison system and possible reforms.
Numerous other important guests will speak, including criminal law and sociology academics, representatives of human rights associations and, last but not least, former prisoners who will give their direct testimony of the living conditions inside penal institutions.
An Appeal for Reform of the Penitentiary System
One of the central themes of the marathon will be the need to implement the “Cartabia reform”, which provides for the use of alternative sentences to imprisonment for minor crimes, a way to reduce overcrowding in prisons and facilitate the social reintegration of prisoners (ekuonews. it). The event in Foggia is therefore proposed as a platform to discuss concrete solutions, such as the construction of new modern prison facilities that respect human rights, and the improvement of living conditions in existing prisons.
The Mobilization of the Institutions
The initiative received the support of several local institutions. The mayor of Foggia expressed his support for him, underlining the importance of collective reflection on the issue of human rights. Local judicial authorities also guaranteed their participation, highlighting the need for constructive dialogue between all parties involved in the criminal system.
An Invitation to Participate
The Oratory Marathon is open to the public and is aimed not only at professionals but at all citizens who wish to delve deeper into the problems linked to the penitentiary system. The organizers hope for large participation, convinced that only through the active involvement of civil society is it possible to promote real change.
