Pontecagnano Faiano – Mayor Giuseppe Lanzara, with the unanimous approval of the City Council and Executive Committee, today awarded a solemn commendation to fellow citizen Marshal Alfonso Bolognesi, now Lieutenant with special charge of the Carabinieri, for his long and meritorious career in service to the State.
The motivation: a life for legality
During the official ceremony, the reasons for the award were read:
"For having devoted, over the long years of service, extraordinary commitment to upholding the highest values of legality, opposing criminal organizations, ensuring the safety of citizens, and demonstrating the presence of the State."
Bolognesi, commander of the Pinetamare Carabinieri Station (Castel Volturno), brought prestige to his hometown, Pontecagnano Faiano, distinguishing himself through courage and dedication in the fight against organized crime.
The personal drama: 4 years of unjust imprisonment and 17 years of legal battle
During the ceremony, Bolognesi donated to the Mayor and the authorities present the book "Innocent Victim", written by the lawyer Raffaele Gaetano Crisileo, which retraces his judicial ordeal:
Arrested unjustly, he spent 4 years in prison
After 17 years of trials, the Court of Appeal of Rome acquitted him with full rehabilitation
19 years after the events, the compensation procedure for the miscarriage of justice is still ongoing.
The John Paul II International Prize
Two months ago, in Rome, in the Vatican City, Bolognesi was awarded the John Paul II International Prize for having lived his dramatic experience "in the spirit of faith and the sacredness of life," in line with the teachings of the Holy Pontiff.
The words of the Mayor
"Today we celebrate not only a public servant, but a man who paid a high price for justice," Mayor Lanzara declared. "His story is a warning and an example for all of us."
Bolognesi's reaction
Moved, the Lieutenant thanked his city:
"This recognition fills me with pride. I have always served the Army with honor, even when life has put me to the test. Truth, in the end, prevails."
A ceremony that united institutions, law enforcement, and citizens, in the name of justice and resilience.
This article is about a man who has been through a lot and fought against crime, but I don't understand why it took so many years to get justice. Bolognesi's story is truly shocking and makes one reflect on how difficult it is for those who work for the state.