10th of June | European Parliament, Brussels 

Tuesday 10th | 09:00 – 12:30h | SPINELLI 1G2

Interpretation: EN – FR – IT – ES

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This event explores the historical and contemporary role of prisons in suppressing dissent and targeting social and political movements. Through two insightful panels, the event will examine the political use of incarceration as a tool of repression and the personal stories of political prisoners who have resisted for justice and freedom. The first part will delve into the broader theoretical, historical, and political use of prisons in repressing social and political movements, focusing on their role in controlling dissent and silencing opposition. The second part will highlight the lived experiences of political prisoners, exploring the challenges of reintegration into society and the lasting impact of these figures in global liberation movements, such as the Irish Republican movement, Basque movements.

STREAMING 

PROGRAMME 

09.00 | Opening of the Event 

• Ilaria Salis, Member of the European Parliament – The Left

09.05-10.20 | Panel 1: “Prisons as violent Mechanisms of Political and Social Control”

Introduction and Moderation: Pernando Barrena, Member of the European Parliament – The Left

This panel would explore the broader theoretical, historical, and political use of prisons in suppressing dissent and targeting specific movements.

Guest Speakers:

• Valerio Pascali, researcher, activist (Italy)
• Valeria Verdolini, researcher and President of Antigone Lombardia (Italy)
• Bego Atxa, Basque lawyer (Basque country)

>> 10.20-10.50 | Coffee Break

 10.50-12.00 | Panel 2:  “Personal and Political Struggles of Political Prisoners – From Repression to Resistance and Reintegration”

This panel would focus on the personal stories and impacts of being a political prisoner, including the experience of reintegration into society, and the role of such figures in broader liberation movements (like the Irish Republican movement, Basque movements, and antifascist struggles)

Introduction and Moderation: Kathleen Funchion, Member of the European Parliament – The Left

Guest Speakers:

• Olatz Iglesias, Daughter of Basque political prisoner (Basque country)
• Valerio Monteventi – social worker, activist, and former political prisoner (Italy)
• Emilio Scalzo,  former political prisoner, No Tav and No Border Movement (Italy)
• Eamonn Nolan, former political prisoner (Ireland)
• Ewan Morgan, restorative justice practitioner (Ireland)
• Colleen Patricia McCreesh, restorative justice practitioner (Ireland)

12.00-12.25 | Q&A – Open Discussion

 12.25 | Closing of the event

//Disclaimer: the programme may be subject to change