The pressure on Italy’s $257$ jails has been increasing rapidly. These jails are old and overcrowded. They are supposed to hold up to $43,000$ people - $9,000$ fewer than now. San Vittore in Milan, which has $1,800$ inmates, is designed for $800.$ The number of foreigners inside jails has also been increasing. The minister in charge of prisons fears that tensions may snap, and so has recommended to the government an amnesty policy.
Which one of the following, if true, would have most influenced the recommendation of the minister?
- Opinion polls have indicated that many Italians favour a general pardon.
- The opposition may be persuaded to help since amnesties must be approved by a two third majority in the parliament.
- During a recent visit to a large prison, the pope, whose pronouncements are taken seriously, appealed for ‘a gesture of clemency’.
- Shortly before the recommendation was made, 58 prisons reported disturbances in a period of two weeks.