"Our request, supported by the entire center-right, for a reform of article 146 of the penal code on the subject of pickpockets and pregnant thieves was accepted in the Justice Commission. Finally we change and pregnancy will not be an excuse: those who commit crimes will be sanctioned, while respecting the rights of all, including the unborn child".
This was underlined by the Undersecretary of Justice Andrea Ostellari, commenting on the proposed law on prison mothers whose amendments were examined by the Justice Commission of the Chamber yesterday.
"Now, for the good of the country - adds Ostellari -, we are waiting for the text to be brought to the courtroom as planned. In this way, pregnant pickpockets will not go unpunished and, according to the judge's assessment, they will serve their sentence in a family home or in a special prison for mother prisoners".
Article 146 of the penal code provides for the deferment of the sentence for pregnant women, for mothers with a child under one year of age, for those suffering from AIDS or other serious illnesses.