Residents chained up in kennels in the cold
THE Netflix mini-series on San Patrignano – San Pa: Sins of the Saviour – examines the methods of charismatic Vincenzo Muccioli.
The scandalous history of the facility seems a million miles away from the tranquil Auchincruive near Ayr, whose main social enterprises are currently a popular cafe and spectacular gardens, geared towards producing flowers and shrubs commercially.
Muccioli formed the commune in 1978 after growing frustrated at the state’s inability to tackle the country’s heroin crisis.
He rejected the reliance of methadone as the prevailing treatment, as that was creating a generation he believed was addicted to another harmful substance.
That situation mirrors the debate raging in Scotland, where methadone has been the dominant “harm reduction” method at a time when drug deaths have gone through the roof.
Critics have claimed that Scotland should do more to help addicts achieve drug-free lives if they are properly motivated and supported.
Addicts were invited to stay at the 500-acre farm for free, as long as they pledged to give up drugs and work to help make the community self-sufficient.
During his time in charge of the commune, Muccioli became known for extreme and sometimes inhumane treatment of residents.
In October 1980, he was arrested for alleged kidnap after a young woman managed to escape having spent 15 days chained up in a “cell”.
When police arrived they found four people chained in kennels and pigeon coops in the freezing cold.
Muccioli spent 30 days in prison and when he emerged, signed a statement agreeing to no longer use violence.
However he remained defiant, saying he “didn’t regret his actions” as it was what was required to keep the addicts on site and in treatment.
Despite the controversy, San Patrignano won international acclaim for its results and many residents also praised Muccioli’s methods.