NAPLES – The memory of Annalisa Durante, an innocent victim of the Camorra, continues to be a beacon of hope and a catalyst for change, capable of transcending prison walls and touching consciences. Twenty-two years after her passing, the city of Naples remembered her with the closing ceremony of the seventh edition of the National Award named after her, an event held the day after what would have been her 36th birthday (she was born on February 19, 1990).
The day, with the emblematic title "Beyond the Bars," recognized the inmates, those put to the test, and the libraries that participated in the competition, demonstrating how Annalisa's memory can be a tool for restorative justice and dialogue even in places of detention.
A book to unite inside and out
The highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of the book "Mare dentro. La memoria di Annalisa, dentro e fuori dal carcere," published by Marotta & Cafiero. This collaborative work bears the signatures of those who experience that pain every day: Annalisa's father, Giannino Durante; Father Tonino Palmese, president of the Pol.is Foundation; and Pino Perna, president of the social promotion association dedicated to the young woman. The book collects not only their reflections, but also the moving testimonies of the inmates who, over the years, have been touched and transformed by Annalisa's life story.
“The strength of continuity”
The bonding factor among those present was a sense of unending commitment. "I believe the word 'continuity' is the most politically accurate," said an emotional Don Tonino Palmese. "Over these seven years, working with many third sector organizations, with institutions, but above all with Giannino and the Annalisa Durante Association, we have had the strength to move forward." This team effort involved, among others, Maria Rosaria Covelli, President of the Court of Appeal of Naples; Aldo Policastro, Attorney General; and Councilors Antonio De Iesu (Naples City Council Security) and Onofrio Cutaia (Campania Region Culture).
Culture as a possible “revolt”
Councilor Cutaia himself emphasized the profound value of these initiatives, going beyond rhetoric: "Culture can do so much, it's not just a figure of speech, and this initiative demonstrates it because it's driven by real, genuine people, especially Giannino, who truly represents the possibility of revolt, of finding new paths." This is a commitment the Region intends to strengthen: "This is a project we've supported for a long time and absolutely needs to be strengthened even further. We will do everything that needs to be done because we truly believe in these initiatives."
Changes and revisions to this article
- Article updated on 20/02/2026 at 12:48 PM - Content structure updated
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Comments (1)
This is a very important initiative that remembers someone who suffered an injustice. Annalisa's memory is crucial for reflecting on the meaning of justice and social change. I hope this awareness-raising work continues.