Annulments are a nuisance, but it is probably a lot more than that. Consider that even in a liberal diocese, an annulment application under these circumstances might not fly. My personal opinion is that they want her dead so they can put it behind them with no chance for more ugly surprises, etc.
The removal of religious articles and flowers is pure meanness & power plays (as is so much else in this horrid story), possibly more.
It seems to me it is all about power games. When he said the parents want to make his life hell, I felt that he was projecting. It appears he wants to make the parents' life hell.
The refusal to allow Terri to take last rites, which happened the Sat. I was there, was by lawyer (Bushnell, I believe) for the strict "nothing by mouth" -- and yes it does say a lot about their overall attitudes toward religion and respecting Terri's wishes.
Last rites weren't denied according to my understanding, only receiving communion on the part of Terri. Another grotesque power play imo, but he and the priest could have conceivably been held in contempt of court if communion was allowed. It could have been on the advice of his lawyer. Cold day in hell when a legal decree dictate the administration of a sacrament.
Could be prophetic though. If Terri regains the ability to speak, oh boy what a story she may have to tell. And it's an attempted-murder charge for Michael. I'd call that severe heck, if not hell.