Question:

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?

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For “most influenced” questions, prioritise the option directly related to the central concern—in this case, preventing unrest due to overcrowding.
Updated On: Aug 5, 2025
  • 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-thirds majority in 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.
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

The minister’s concern is about imminent unrest. Disturbances in 58 prisons within two weeks provide strong evidence that tensions are reaching a breaking point, making an amnesty urgent. Public opinion or political feasibility are secondary compared to the immediate security threat.
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