Post by janet on Jul 20, 2007 15:29:28 GMT -5
For the past six weeks, there have been three lockdowns at Unit 32C, Mississippi State Penitentiary, Parchman, Mississippi.
The first was in relationship to the fatal stabbing of one inmate by another. The second was due to a guard being investigated for smuggling contraband. The third and ongoing situation was precipitated by an unloaded semi-automatic weapon with two plastic bound clips of ammunition being found in a prisoner's cell. The weapon was kicked out of the cell without incident. The facility was again on immediate lockdown.
During the second lockdown, prisoners cells were "shaken down" and personal property confiscated. I stress, this property was not contraband. It included photographs, letters, books, and other small personal items. These items were trashed in the presence of each prisoner. Mattresses were torn apart, resulting in several inmates sleeping on thin blankets on concrete floors. "Meals" consisted of peanut butter sandwiches. In several instances, Bibles were destroyed and prescribed, vital medications confiscated. These are but a few of the abuses.
The ACLU lawsuit that was settled in the inmates favour continues to be a source of non-compliance by MDOC officials. The Unit is infested with insects, blood from the stabbing, and, due to the extreme humidity, floors are covered with a 'muddy' substance.
Some of the circumstances are related to gang activity within the prison which continues to be a concern. However, by locking down these men and all a 'lockdown' entails, the situation is being made much worse. In fact, it has reached a point whereby one can only expect further instances of violence and retaliation by M.D.O.C.
It is strongly rumoured that Commissioner Christopher Epps has indicated 'lockdowns' will occur ever two weeks as a "preventative measure". This will undoubtedly result in conditions worsening, if that is at all possible.
The situation is grave, inhumane, and barbaric. The ACLU is working assiduously on the problems, as are advocates on behalf of these inmates. Most family members are frightened of taking action fearing retaliation against loved ones.
I urge you to take action to end this brutality by e-mail, telephone, fax, or letter to either Governor Haley Barbour, Commissioner Christopher Epps, or the ACLU, National Prison Project in Washington, D.C.
Please inundate M.D.O.C. with complaints of human rights abuses. It is an abomination that must be stopped. As of this moment, the facility remains as I have described it.
The first was in relationship to the fatal stabbing of one inmate by another. The second was due to a guard being investigated for smuggling contraband. The third and ongoing situation was precipitated by an unloaded semi-automatic weapon with two plastic bound clips of ammunition being found in a prisoner's cell. The weapon was kicked out of the cell without incident. The facility was again on immediate lockdown.
During the second lockdown, prisoners cells were "shaken down" and personal property confiscated. I stress, this property was not contraband. It included photographs, letters, books, and other small personal items. These items were trashed in the presence of each prisoner. Mattresses were torn apart, resulting in several inmates sleeping on thin blankets on concrete floors. "Meals" consisted of peanut butter sandwiches. In several instances, Bibles were destroyed and prescribed, vital medications confiscated. These are but a few of the abuses.
The ACLU lawsuit that was settled in the inmates favour continues to be a source of non-compliance by MDOC officials. The Unit is infested with insects, blood from the stabbing, and, due to the extreme humidity, floors are covered with a 'muddy' substance.
Some of the circumstances are related to gang activity within the prison which continues to be a concern. However, by locking down these men and all a 'lockdown' entails, the situation is being made much worse. In fact, it has reached a point whereby one can only expect further instances of violence and retaliation by M.D.O.C.
It is strongly rumoured that Commissioner Christopher Epps has indicated 'lockdowns' will occur ever two weeks as a "preventative measure". This will undoubtedly result in conditions worsening, if that is at all possible.
The situation is grave, inhumane, and barbaric. The ACLU is working assiduously on the problems, as are advocates on behalf of these inmates. Most family members are frightened of taking action fearing retaliation against loved ones.
I urge you to take action to end this brutality by e-mail, telephone, fax, or letter to either Governor Haley Barbour, Commissioner Christopher Epps, or the ACLU, National Prison Project in Washington, D.C.
Please inundate M.D.O.C. with complaints of human rights abuses. It is an abomination that must be stopped. As of this moment, the facility remains as I have described it.