Avs leaders Nicola Fratoianni and Angelo Bonelli presented Ilaria Salis' candidacy in the next European elections in the North-West constituency today, in a conference in the Chamber. With them there was also the woman's father, Roberto, who explained the conditions in which his daughter was kept and with whom she managed to speak "no more than 70 minutes a week".
If she is elected, Ilaria wrote in a letter, her commitment will be to "bring the attention" that was shown to her "also to the people who find themselves" in the "same situation" as her. To "transform" his "unfortunate story" into "something constructive for the protection of fundamental rights".
Bonelli and Fratoianni, who were in Budapest 48 hours ago to meet her, underlined the importance of continuing to fight also in Europe for "the defense of fundamental rights" and the "rule of law".
THE LETTER – «I wholeheartedly thank the people in Italy who have supported me in these long months without remaining indifferent in the face of the shocking story of which I have, despite myself, been the protagonist for more than a year: family members, companions, friends with whom I shared projects and others who I hadn't seen for many years, teachers and colleagues and the thousands of people who, despite not knowing me, are sympathetic to my situation", writes Ilaria Salis in the letter with which she accepts the candidacy.
«The smiles that greeted me at the hearings warmed my heart, gave me great strength and above all the awareness that I was not alone. I am immensely grateful for everything that is being done for me and above all I am proud of the fact that a country like Italy has mobilized for what is happening to me." «You have given me great strength - she continues - and above all the awareness that I am not alone in this story which unfortunately is still far from an epilogue. Months, maybe years ahead of me, still in this black hole waiting for the conclusion of the trial. The only certainty, at this moment, is the request from the prosecutor's office: 11 years in prison." «It is not my intention to avoid the proceedings in which I am accused - she observes - but to defend myself in the trial in compliance with fundamental rights, the principles of proportionality and the presumption of innocence. I know I'm not unique or exceptional. I was lucky enough not to be forgotten, but similar situations of injustice are the order of the day in various European countries." «For this reason - he concludes - after sleepless nights and weeks of tormented reflections, I have decided to accept the candidacy for the European elections. To bring the attention you have shown me to other people who are in the same situation as me. And to transform this unfortunate story of mine into something constructive for the protection of fundamental rights. I greet - the letter concludes - and thank again all the people who have been and continue to be close to me (even just in thought) and I hope to be able to see you soon."
