"I am living these days with a deep sense of gratitude to those who support me and express what has happened, so that clarity can be created."
These are the words of Michele D'Angelo, an Italian university professor from L'Aquila, in a message shared by his wife, Vanessa Castelli, who visited him today in the Albanian prison of Fier, where he has been held in detention for approximately 50 days following a road accident on August 8.
"I cannot deny that the measure of pre-trial detention in prison is, in my opinion, excessive," he writes.
"It's an extremely difficult situation, made even more difficult by the fact that I'm far from home, in a country whose language I don't speak."
"Considering my behavior, my personal and professional history, as well as the existence of alternative methods that can ensure compliance with the procedures without further compromising my health and psychological balance, I truly hope that this reflection will be carefully considered," he added.
The professor, through his wife, reiterates his trust in local institutions: “ I trust the work of the Albanian authorities and their ability to assess every factor impartially .”
At the heart of the message is the support of many people: “The support I am receiving from Vanessa, from colleagues, from students, from institutions is what keeps me from collapsing. It is my anchor. Every word that comes from the outside, every gesture, every sign of concern is like a window that opens. Vanessa keeps me informed, tells me what is happening and gives me the strength of someone who has never stopped believing in the possibility of a balanced interpretation of the facts.”
D'Angelo ends with a reminder of the need for proportion: "And I, from now on, continue to live these days with discipline, with patience, and with the hope that this attention can be transformed into clarity. I am not seeking compassion, but truth. I am not seeking privilege, but proportion."