Due to COVID19, the prison has us coming out for phones, showers, kiosks, meals and recreation in cohorts of 21 or 22 cells (roughly 38 prisoners per cohort). Initially, we were in cohorts of 5 cells with 45 minutes per cohort. Now we are in phase two. The problem is that while the cohort … Continue reading The Fight Against Criminalization and Repression under the Guise of COVID-19
COVID19 AND THE PA DOC
From: Wilson, Stephen Date Received: 03/12/2020 06:22 PM Subject: COVID19 AND THE PA DOC For the past two days, the PA DOC has finally thinking about the coronavirus and how to protect prisoners from it. Only over the past two days! Announcements have been played over the prison television station reminding prisoners to wash our … Continue reading COVID19 AND THE PA DOC
Phone Zap for Akil January 17
Important: Please do not mention anyone's name on the inside when asked how you know about the attack. You do not have to give your name either. Yesterday, two guards at SCI-Fayette in PA had a calm, compliant man in handcuffs. They punched him in the pack of the head, body slammed him, and threw … Continue reading Phone Zap for Akil January 17
Terrifying Assault on our Comrade at SCI-Smithfield ~ PHONE ZAP NEEDED
Yesterday at 12pm, Andre Logan, PA DOC # LM3820, was assaulted by two officers outside of the chow hall at SCI-Smithfield. The officers used excessive force on Andre because his shirttail was untucked. Andre suffered a fractured nose after having his face slammed into a glass window and then slammed to the concrete ground in … Continue reading Terrifying Assault on our Comrade at SCI-Smithfield ~ PHONE ZAP NEEDED
Addressing Harm and Accountability in Spite of the Carceral State: #2
Questions for Prison Activists Scenario #2 So, a queer friend here has a bad gambling habit. He gets into debt and into trouble with the people he owes. He moved onto my block, and a guy who is known for targeting white and biracial, smaller prisoners for sex reeled him in. This guy would loan … Continue reading Addressing Harm and Accountability in Spite of the Carceral State: #2
Addressing Harm and Accountability in Spite of the Carceral State: #1
Questions for Prison Activists Scenario #1 I recently held two meetings with the prisoners enrolled in the Circle Up/restorative justice course. It didn't go well. I believe I understand the problem. The criminal legal system shields perpetrators of harm from the effects of their behavior. We are punished, but we aren't held accountable. We rarely … Continue reading Addressing Harm and Accountability in Spite of the Carceral State: #1