Jul 22 2013
Despite Reports of Retaliation, Thousands of California Prisoners Continue Hunger Strike
Between 1000 and 2000 prisoners in California’s prison system are still refusing meals in protest of their inhumane conditions, in particular, indefinite solitary confinement.
Even though the Center for Constitutional Rights has filed a lawsuit challenging what they are calling torture, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation maintains that improvements have been put in place since the last time prisoners went on strike.
Meanwhile at least two prisoners have needed medical attention, and the LA Times is reporting that over a dozen prisoners identified as leaders of the hunger strike have faced retaliation by being transferred to more isolated facilities and having legal documents seized.
There are also disturbing reports of prisoners’ cells at Pelican Bay being pumped with very cold air to move them toward ending their strike.
GUEST: Ron Ahnen, with California Prison Focus, a member of the solidarity coalition and who is on the mediation team. Ron is also an Associate Professor at St. Mary’s College of California
On July 13, Uprising Assistant Producer Bipasha Shom attended a rally in solidarity with California’s Striking Prisoners outside Corcoran State Prison.
One Response to “Despite Reports of Retaliation, Thousands of California Prisoners Continue Hunger Strike”
oops…you guys left this out of your report. just tryin’ to be helpful:)
http://www.latimes.com/local/political/la-me-ff-gang-members-say-hunger-strike-aim-is-to-sell-drugs-make-money-20130719,0,3311863.story