Felons Opperate Phones In Italy

Reports Reuters:

The next time you call directory inquiries in Italy, you may speak to a convicted murderer.

Italy's biggest phone operator, Telecom Italia, Thursday presented its new call-center in Rome's largest prison, where 24 inmates are glued to a computer screen to answer thousands of requests for phone numbers and addresses every day.

"This is a unique initiative in Europe and it helps the detainees get some work experience and prepare for when they'll get out of prison," said Telecom's Chairman Marco Tronchetti Provera as he toured the Rebibbia jail, a huge concrete block housing 1,600 inmates on the northern outskirts of Rome.

"Good afternoon, this is Gianluca speaking, how can I help you? Thank you for calling Telecom Italia," said Gianluca Descenzo, who is serving a 13-year sentence for a drug-related murder, politely answering the umpteenth call of the day.

"It's good because people don't know who we are, so we don't feel like we are in a ghetto anymore," he told Reuters as he paused before taking another call.

Oh how Sweet, the inmates feel more human. I'm touched beyond words. Oh wait, now I'm using that darn brain we conservatives are so prone to using! Something tells me it's not a good idea to give convicted felons access to millions of people's addresses and phone numbers. But hey, whatever, they're Italian...