The Italian Parliament has given final approval to a measure that allows offenders with drug or alcohol addiction to spend sentences of up to eight years in rehabilitation clinics rather than prison. The objective of the measure, which was approved by the Chamber of Deputies with 153 ballots in favor, 42 against, and 82 abstentions, is to address chronic prison overcrowding by prioritizing treatment over detention alone. Justice Minister Carlo Nordio referred to the proposal as a "landmark breakthrough" that might rescue at least 10,000 individuals from prison by addressing addiction as a medical illness first. However, the law has provoked a fierce discussion. While most opposition parties abstained due to concerns about its implementation, the Five Star Movement and the right-wing National Future Party voted against it, citing the risk that transfers to low-security facilities for serious crimes would jeopardize the certainty of punishment and public safety.