Success: Investigation Opened into Allegedly Abusive Prison Conditions

Target: Loretta E. Lynch, Attorney General

Goal: Applaud the Department of Justice’s investigation into allegedly inhumane and unjust prison conditions in Alabama.

The U.S. Department of Justice is launching an investigation into prison conditions in Alabama, thanks in part to petitions like ForceChange’s “Improve Abysmal Conditions in Prison” as well as a strike organized by inmates. Inmates at Holman Prison in Atmore, Alabama started a prison strike that spread across the nation and even picked up the support of some prison guards to protest abysmal conditions like overcrowding, violence, lack of modern educational opportunities and forced labor.

Attention to these issues were ignored by the state, which instead had prison reform plans that included prison expansion. This blatant disregard for valid concerns during a time when the public has becoming increasingly against mass incarceration and its abuses is wrong.

Just because inmates have been convicted of a crime does not mean that they lose all basic human rights and can be subjected to inhumane treatment. It’s vital that there is outside oversight of the system to ensure that inmates are treated right and are rehabilitated in prison, not just locked up and punished.

By signing this petition you will applaud the U.S. Department of Justice for looking into the allegedly abusive treatment of these prisoners and hopefully providing aid towards some of their requests.

PETITION LETTER:

Dear Attorney General Lynch,

The U.S. Department of Justice recently announced that it will look into the allegedly inhumane prison conditions in Alabama brought to attention by inmates striking. These inmates claim they’re being abused and have been protesting issues like violence, overcrowding, lack of resources and abuse by guards.

It’s vital that the Department of Justice looks into and addresses concerns like this during a time when prisons and state officials have shown they will simply overlook them. Prisoners are still people and deserve humane treatment while serving their time. Prison is supposed to be a place for rehabilitation, not just for punishment. I applaud you for launching an investigation into these alleged abuses and hope you will continue to fight for justice for all citizens, including prisoners.

Sincerely,

[Your Name Here]

Photo credit: Meesh