TortureinUnitedStatesPrisons

EvidenceofHumanRightsViolations
2ndEdition

AmericanFriendsServiceCommittee NewYorkMetropolitanRegion HealingJusticeProgram

Editedby: BonnieKerness Coordinator,PrisonWatch

EditorialAssistant: BethBreslaw Intern,PrisonWatch

Contents

Introduction3 Isolation....5
CommunicationsManagementUnits...20

HealthandMedicalServicesandConditions ...24
MentalIllness.......28

UseofForceandDevicesofTorture ..33
ContrabandSurveillanceWatch..42

Racism..46 WomeninPrison......52 HowYouCanGetInvolved....57 Appendix....59 Glossary...63

SpecialthankstoKingDowning,onwhoseworkHowYouCanGetInvolved(pages 5758)isbased.

CoverartbyTodd(HyungRae)Tarselli

2011AmericanFriendsServiceCommittee NewYorkMetropolitanRegionalOffice(NYMRO) PrisonWatchProject 89MarketStreet,6thfloor Newark,NJ07102 www.afsc.org (973)6433192

Introduction

Whenprisondoorsclosebehindmenandwomentheybecomeourprisoners.Ifwearetheirfamily andfriends,wemayvisit,write,call,andadvocateontheirbehalf.Iftheyareanonymous,wewill likelydismissthemwiththethought,theybrokethelawthatwastheirchoiceandnowthey mustpaythepenalty.Andweproceedaboutourdailyliveswithoutlookingovertheprisonwall. Itistimewedidjustthat;prisonsreflectthesocietiesthatcreatethem. Internationaltreaties,conventions,anddeclarationsprovidebasicguidelinesforthetreatmentof prisoners.TheseguidelinesareoftenignoredbytheU.S.criminaljusticesystem.Meanwhile,the UnitedStatescontinuestocriticizeothercountriesforviolationsofprisonershumanrights. TortureinUnitedStatesPrisons(SecondEdition)providesprimaryevidenceofsuchhumanrights violations.Itsgoalistocastlightonthetortureandabuseofprisoners. Foroverthreedecades,theAmericanFriendsServiceCommittee(AFSC)hasspokenoutonbehalfof prisoners.Since1975AFSChasoperatedaCriminalJusticePrograminNewark,NewJersey.During thattimeAFSChasreceivedthousandsofcallsandlettersoftestimonyofanincreasinglydisturbing naturefromprisonersandtheirfamiliesaboutconditionsinprison.Thelistofabusesislongand horrifying:useofstungunsandrestraintdevices,rape,prisonchaingangs,inadequatemedicalcare, isolation,notouchtorture(lightson24/7,deliberatelystartlingsounds,menacingdogs),useof force,andotheregregiousviolationsofinternationalhumanrightsstandards,includingthe ConventionAgainstTorture,ratifiedbytheUnitedStatesin1994. TheconceptsofhumanrightslawmustbeupheldbytheUnitedStatespolice,court,andprison justicesystems.Onewaytofosterthischangeisforprisoners,theirfamiliesandlovedones,and prisonerrightsadvocatestoweavethelanguageofinternationalstandardsandtreatiesintotheir argumentsforhumaneprisonconditionsandtreatmentofprisoners. Tothatend,thisdocumentpresentsprisonerstestimoniesinfivesectionsIsolation,Healthand MedicalServicesandConditions,UseofForceandDevicesofTorture,Racism,andWomenin Prisonandintroduceseachsectionwitharelevantinternationalstandardasstipulatedin internationalhumanrightsagreements.Forexample,Article1oftheUnitedNationsConvention AgainstTortureprohibitsphysicalormentalpainandsuffering,inflictedtopunish,coerceor discriminateforanyreason.Yetpracticessuchastheindefiniteuseofshacklesandother mechanicalrestraints,theadministrationofdangerouschemicaltreatments,andthepracticeof extendedisolationcontinueintheUnitedStates. Thepracticeofextendedisolationinparticularisofgrowingconcerntomanyprisonactivists,both insideandoutsidethewalls.ThereportsthatcometoAFSCaboutprisonerssubjectedtodevicesof torturehavelargelybeenfromisolationcellsoftencalledmanagementcontrolunitsorspecial managementunitsinwhichtherearefewwitnesses.OjoreLutaloisonesuchprisoner,andyou canfindhisfullstoryintheAppendix.Therearethousandsofsimilarstoriesaswell,someofwhich areincludedhere.

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Inthesepagesyouwillreadthewordsverbatimofprisonerswhoselivesareirrevocablychanged bytheconditionsunderwhichtheyareheld.Thedetailsarehardtoread;someofthelanguageis crudeandtheaccountsgraphic.Allarecompelling. Readon.Tellusyourstory.And,aboveall,weurgeyoutousethelanguageofinternational standardsandtreatiesinyourargumentforhumaneprisonconditionsandtreatmentofprisoners.

BonnieKernessandBethBreslaw

Acknowledgments
Thisdocumentwouldnothavebeenpossiblewithoutthecourageofthosepeopleinprisonwho weredeterminedthattheirwitnessandtestimoniesreachtheoutsideworld.Inmanycases,they wereafraidofretaliation,andinmanycasestheywerebeyondfear.Weespeciallythankthosewho wroteonbehalfofandaboutpeoplewhocouldnotwriteontheirown. VeryspecialthankstoBethBreslaw,anextraordinaryinternstudentfromRutgersUniversity,New Jersey,whodrewexcerptsfromthehundredsofletters,drawings,andphotographswereceived.She categorizedthetestimoniestofitlogicallywithinthehumanrightsframework.Bethtookcareto respondtoeachpersonwhowrote,whilestrugglingwithherownemotionsasherworkprogressed. WewanttothankTerryKaye,whowalkedintotheofficeonedaywithherdevotionanddetermination tohelp.ItiswithgratitudetoTerrythatthisdocumentflowswithwonderfulediting.Herguidance, comments,andsuggestionsthroughouttheentireprocesswerefullofwisdom.Herwillingnesstoput hoursofenergyintocreatingadocumentworthyofaccuracyandprideisappreciatedbyeveryonewho hadtheprivilegeofworkingwithher.Beth,Terry,andIformedateamwhoworkedwithconsensusand alovingsenseofpurposethatneverwaivered. WewanttothankKingDowningforhisexcellentsectiononpracticalwaystohelp,ElizabethEnloe forherconstantsupportoftheworkofPrisonWatch,and[tocome]________________________ BonnieKerness

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Isolation
Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT)

Article 1 the term torture means any act by which severe pain or suffering, whether physical or mental, is intentionally inflicted on a person for such purposes as obtaining from him or a third person information or a confession, punishing him for an act he or a third person has committed or is suspected of having committed, or intimidating or coercing him or a third person, or for any reason based on discrimination of any kind, when such pain or suffering is inflicted by or at the instigation of or with the consent or acquiescence of a public official or other person acting in an official capacity.

International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights

Article 7 No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. Article 10 1) All persons deprived of their liberty shall be treated with humanity and with respect for the dignity of the human person. 3) The penitentiary system shall comprise treatment of prisoners the essential of which shall be their reformation and social rehabilitation. Article 16 1) Each State Party shall undertake to prevent in any territory under its jurisdiction other acts of cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment which do not amount to torture as defined in article 1, when such acts are committed by or at the instigation of or with the consent or acquiescence of a public official or other person acting in an official capacity. In particular, the obligations contained in articles 10, 11, 12 and 13 shall apply with the substitution for references to torture or references to other forms of cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. 2) The Provisions of this Convention are without prejudice to the provisions of any other international instrument or national law which prohibit cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment or which relate to extradition or expulsion

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.at9:30am,theygavemebackmyclothing!Thetelephoneisringingwithcallscominginfromother prisonsecurityguardswantingtoknowLutalosstatus,ifIhadlostasenseofmyself,meaningifLutalo wentcrazy.Igrowwearyofpacingthefloorandsittingatopofthesink,soIcoverthedirtyfoam mattresswithapapersheetandlaydownfullydressedanddozeoff.Iwakeuptothesoundof splashingwater,toseewaterleakingfromtheceilingandrunningdownthewallandseepingunderthe mattress.Icalltheguardwhocomestothecagedoor.Iaskifhecouldmovemetoanotherage.Now thewaterisrunningunderneaththecagedoor.Twohourslatertheymovemeintocage#2which doesnthavethe24hourcamerawatch.Cage#2hasanotherdirtyfoammattresswithtwopaper sheetsatopitandisjustascoldasCage#1.Istartpacingtogeneratesomebodyheat.Thestooland thecageshelveswereremoved,thelightswitchhasasteelplateoveritandthewallsocketshavesteel platesoverthem.Thecagelightstayson24hoursaday.Thefloor,toilet,andsinkarefilthy! OjoreLutalo,TrentonStatePrisonnowNewJerseyStatePrison(10/14/05) Myeyesarehurtingmorefromtheglareofthe24hourbrightwhitelights!Youcallthisa democracy?Ifeelthecoldnessofthecageassaultingme.Ipace,Idoze,Icoverthedirtymattress foammattressandlaydown.ThewayIamnowbeingtreatedisillegal.Thiscageiscondemned. Youcallthisademocracy?! OjoreLutalo,TrentonStatePrisonnowNewJerseyStatePrison(10/17/05)

CollagebyOjoreLutalo Isolation

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Anotherprogressionofcontrolunitsandtheuseofisolationarecalledsecuritythreatgroup managementunits(STGMU).Thegovernmentdefineswhatasecuritythreatgroupis.According toanationalsurveybytheDepartmentofJustice,theDepartmentsofCorrectionsofMinnesotaand OregonnamedallAsiansasgangs,towhichMinnesotaaddedallNativeAmericans.NewJersey, Oklahoma,andPennsylvaniaincludevariousIslamicgroupsasgangs. In2004,anofficesecretedasmallvideocameraintotheNorthernStatePrison,NewJerseySTGMU unitandgaveittoinmateOmarBroadway,whofilmedabuseintheprisonoverfourmonths.That footageresultedinascreeningattheTribecaFilmFestivalinNewYork.HomeBoxOfficepurchased thedocumentaryandshoweditmultipletimesinthesummerof2010.Thefilmfeatures commentarybyBonnieKerness,CoordinaterofPrisonWatch,AFSC.AFSChascopiesofrawfilm footage(SneakPeak)giventothembyOmarBroadwaysmotheravailableforviewing. Reportsofabuseanduseofphysical,chemical,andpsychologicalabusecameoutofSTGMUto PrisonWatchduringtheentiretwelveyearsitremainedopen.TheNewJerseyDepartmentof CorrectionsclosedtheunitinMay2010. ReviewofAnOmarBroadwayFilm,whichdocumentsabusesintheSecurityThreatGroup ManagementUnitinNorthernStatePrison,Newark,NJ.Thefilmwasreleasedtothepublicin 2008,andpremieredonHBOinJuly2010. Astheprisonersstandmotionlessnexttoeachotherandcoverthemselveswithplasticbagsto protectthemselvesfromchemicalweapons,theriotsquadburstsin,sprayingtorrentsofMaceand freelyswingingtheirbatons.Theinmatesoffernoresistance.Theylatersportblackeyesandbroken jaws.Onedisappearsformonthsafterbeingdraggedbyhisshacklesdownthestairsandacrossthe floor,bleedingandscreaming.Disturbingly,thesescenesarealsooftenfilmedbyInternalAffairs agentsemployeesoftheprisoninchargeofproceduralenforcementwhocanbeseenpointing theircamerastowardtheceilingastheblowsstartrainingdown.Theotherprisonerswhoare lockedintheircellsalsochokeonthegas;nopreparationsaremadefortheirsafety.Whenthis happensonThanksgiving,thestyrofoamencaseddinnerssitundistributedallnightinfullviewof theinmates.TheyarestackedbehindtwocanistersofMace. OpenSalon,Prison'sDirty(Open)Secret:AnOmarBroadwayFilm.July18,2010. http://open.salon.com/blog/lawless_lawyer/2010/07/18/prisons_dirty_open_secret_an_omar_broa dway_film NewJerseyCorrectionsCommissionerGaryLanigansaidthestatewillclosea240bedunitat NorthernStatePrisonthathousesthestateshighriskgangmembers.Lanigansaidinmatefileswill bereviewedtodeterminewherebesttotransferthem.Hedoesntbelievemixingthemwithother inmateswillcauseproblems. NewJerseycloseshighriskgangunitatNorthernStatePrison.AssociatedPress.5/7/10 http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2010/05/nj_closes_highrisk_gang_unit.html IhavenothadANYphysicalhumancontactin2years,Ivenotbeenallowedtowashanyofmy clothes,cleanmycell,cleanmyshower(IHAVEMYOWNBUILTINSHOWER),receiveahaircut,use thephone,receivevisits,myoutgoingmailwasbeingopened,refusedlegalassistance,mymeals arebeingtamperedwith,theyareservingmeWITHOUTglovesorhairnetson,sometimesfeeding meHOURSAFTEReveryoneelsehasbeenservedandthisisdonebythesupervisorTheyleavemy trayinhereallnightuntilthenextmorningwhenIamservedbreakfastandthisaccumulatesbugsI

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amvideotapedleavingaswellascomingbackinmycellatalltimesandthisisdonebyaFEMALE S.I.D.officermakingmebendoverandspreadmyselfaswellasshowmygenitals. LesterA,EastJerseyStatePrisonLockbagR,RahwayNJ(11/29/08) Ivebeeninthe(hole)forthreeyearsandnowsoparanoidthatIcantbearoundpeople.Icant evensleepinacellwithsomeoneelseevenifIknewhimallmylife.Ivetriedeverytreatment, medicationpossible,nohelpIamnowsoparanoidIcantevenbeontheyards.Imsoparanoid nowforbeingbymyselfforthreeyears,Iwonttakeacellie,wontrecwithsomeoneelseinmyrec cage.Idonteventurnbackwardswhentheysaytocomeoutofthecellthatway.Eveninalockcell, alockshower,alockreccage,ImstillparanoidsohowisitgoingtobeonthestreetswhenIam aroundothers?Ivereallytriedtoworkonitbutnothingatallworkseventhemedications.SoallI askis,isthisplacereallyneed[ed]. JeffH,FederalCorrectionalComplex,OakdaleSMU,OakdaleLA(3/18/10)

Eventuallytheisolationandcyclesofhighsandlowssimplybecamemynewnormin1997 Iagreedtodoublecellwithaprisoner,whounbeknownsttome,wasalreadysufferingfromthe adversepsychologicaleffectsofsensorydeprivationbroughtonbytheextremeisolationdesignedto breakdownthementalconditioningofthosewhoarehousedinthistypeofsettingmynewcell partnerstatedmanytimestomyselfandopenlytoourneighborsthathefoundithardtobreatheHe toldmethatifhesoughtpsychologicalhelpthatitwouldimpacthimnegativelywhenhewentbefore theBoardofPrisonTermsduringhisparolehearingsandthatthepsychswouldthinkhewasjustfaking Isolation Page 8

DrawingbyTodd(HyungRae)Tarselli

ittogetoutoftheSHUsanyways.Twomonthslaterheviolentlyattackedmeinanattempttostrangle mewithashortpieceofrope.Duringthisstruggleformylifehetoldmethathewouldratherdieon deathrowthangocrazyintheSHUIhaveseeneverylevelofmadnessandeverylevelof deterioratingmindinthisslowfreefallhereMyeyesighthasdeterioratedfromneverlookingpastthe wallsofmycellandmyskinhaslongsincepassedbeingpaleandturnednowtosicklypalefromnever seeingthesun. BryanE,PelicanBayStatePrisonSecurityHousingUnit,CrescentCityCA(5/3/10) inmateshavethechoiceofremaininginSHUunituntildeath,mentalillness,orbecomingaknown informantwhohascauseddamagetootherinmates[SHUinmatesare]subjectto(1020+)yearsof sensorydeprivationviaisolationandintentionallimitationofnormalhumancontactandsocial interactionasmuchaspossible.deniedadequatemedicalcare(thisbecamemorepronounced when[medicaladministrationbegan]tellingSHUinmates,ifyouwantbettercare,getoutofSHU andnowSHUinmatesarechaineddowntothefloorofthecliniclikeanimals,iftheyneedtoseea nurse/doctor)thepsychiatricstaffarecomplicittoo,claimingtherearenomentalhealthissues precludingcontinuedSHUconfinement,withoutanypersonalinteractionwiththeseinmates! Anonymouscollective,PelicanBayStatePrisonSHU,CrescentCityCA,sentbyRitaG Itshardtoexplainthemultitudeoflittlefactorsthatinducestress,anxiety,frustration,and depressionMybestattempttodescribeprolongedisolationinasupermaxprisonisthatitslike Chinesewatertorture.Asingledropmaynotharmyoubutthemillionsoflittledropsofstress, anxiety,uncertainty,depression,andsorrowbuildupuntilyoucanbegintofeelyourmind breaking.IwishIcouldexplainitbetter.Maybethenpeoplecouldunderstandandwouldntallow thishelltocontinue. JoeD,TammsCorrectionalCenter,TammsIL(2009) Theconditionswereveryinhumane...hot,noworkingventsatall...stuffyandhumid...myfirstcell bugswerebitingmeallovermybody,whenIsaidsomethingaboutitthey(themedicalstaff)played likeIwascrazythenfinallyafterconstantcomplainingtheygavemeBenadrylthenmovedmeand stilldidn'tcleanthecell.Theyhadalightonalldaythatfeltlikearotisserielamp.Itwashardto sleepbecauseofthehothumidcellsandconstantbugsbitingmealldayandnight...wehadnocups todrinkthebrowncoloredwaterthatcameoutofthesinksandtoilets.Therewasconstant screamingyellingkickingandbanging(withobjectsondoorstomultiplythesoundonthedoors). A.S.A.,SCIDallasRestrictedHousingUnit(confinement),JacksonTownshipPA(8/20/09)source: HumanRightsCoalitionFedUpChapterInstitutionalizedCrueltyp.21 MybloodpressureisupandIconstantlyhaveheadaches.IhavebugbitesallovermybodywhichI wasgivenBenadrylforandneverseenadoctor,thenmovedfrommycelltoanothercellwiththe sameresults.IfearformylifeandsanityeverydayIlive.Ioftenthinkandhavesuicidalthoughts fromtheabuseIamsufferingfrombackhere[followupletter10/8/09] Sufferingunder24hoursadaylightsoninthecells,aspitshieldfixedonthecelldoorwithout violatingaspitpolicythatmakesthecellona80degreedayfeellike110inourcellscausethereis noventilationinthecell,theventdoesntblowairoutortakeairin,theyrefusetoputthefanson thetier,obstructandtamperwithourfood,showersandexerciseyard,haveushousedinclose proximitywithmentalhealth[patients]whotheyagitateandhave...bangingondoors,metaldesk, sinksandtoiletsandscreamingallnightfordaysatatimecausingsleepdeprivation.

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EricR,SCIDallasRestrictedHousingUnit(confinement),JacksonTownshipPA(7/16/09)source: HumanRightsCoalitionFedUpChapterInstitutionalizedCrueltyp.22 Thelightincellisblinding.Itremindsmeofoldwartorturetactics.Ithurtsyoureyesandgivesyou migraines.Iveseenmedicalformigrainesandamduetoreceiveglassesfordamagetoretina.Only noisesweheararethescreamsofmentalpatientsofwhichtherearemany...TheCOsareliableto doanylevelofundignifyingactstoyouatanygiventime.It'sconstantworryandunease.Itmakes onefeelsohelplessandvulnerableandyouneverknowwhattragedymayaffrontyoutoday.Atfirst Islepttoomuch,nowIrarelysleep.Theloudscreamsandbangingandkickingondoorsmakeit difficult.PlusImalwaysattentivetoCOkeysandthepossibilitythatthey'recomingforme. LawyerL,SCIDallasRestrictedHousingUnit(confinement),JacksonTownshipPA(undated)source: HumanRightsCoalitionFedUpChapterInstitutionalizedCrueltyp.23

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ThenoisesIhearareconstantbangingfrominmatesnearandfarintheRHU.AndI'mtalkingabout 24/7.Someinmatesbangontables,bunks,doors,sinks,etc.anditseemslikeitneverceases.Other thanthatIhearguardsyellingandcursingatpeople.OftenIhearthemuseracialslursandother derogatorytermstowardsinmates.TheCOstellinmatestokillthemselvesandsometimeskick doorsorclangkeystodisturboursleep.Also,Ihearinmatesconstantlyscreaming...Thankfully,I've neverhadanimpulsetohurtmyself,oratleastaseriousoneIshouldsay.Thisplacedefinitely makesyouthinkaboutitthough.Ifeelsorryforweakmindedormentallyunstableinmates,though, becauseIcanseehowtheywouldhavesuchimpulses.Infact,atleastoneinmatecommitted suicidebyhanginghimselfinhiscellwhileI'vebeeninthisRHU(theCOsharassedhimintohanging himself).Itwasafewweeksago,Idon'trecallthedate.Butthejailsweptthatincidentunderthe rugandputanewinmateinthatcelltheverynextday... IhavenoticedslightvisualhallucinationsinmyperipheralvisionandalsoifIfocusonanobjectfor extendedtime.NowthatIthinkaboutit,myperceptionofrealitymaybeisntasgoodasIdliketo thinkitis.Imustadmit,mythoughtsareoftenirrationalinrelationtorealityandoftenviolent. Sometimesmyperceptionoftimeisoff.Isometimesgetparanoidandthinkmycellmateiswatching meorpayingtoomuchattentiontomybusiness.Wegetabsolutelyzeroprivacy.Ioftenget paranoidandwonderifheisahomosexual.SometimesIhaveurgestohurthim,butItrytocontrol myself.Itrytoremindmyselfthatitisnothisfaultweareforcedtobeinthissituation. Thebangingnoisesandscreamingvoicesoftenseemunbearableaswell.Also,Isometimesgetvery claustrophobicandfeellikeIamhavingapanicattack...Ithinkthatthewholeideaofsolitary confinementisinsane.Werealreadyinprison.Thisisjustaformofinhumanepunishmentand torture.IthinkthatmostoftheCOsthatworkinthisRHUinparticulararesickindividualsthatget offontorturingus.Theadministrationisobviouslyindifferentandcouldcarelessaboutthelong termaffectsthatthistypeofconfinementhasonusashumanbeings.Obviouslywearenothuman beingstothem,wearemerelyanumber.Mostoftheinmatesinsolitaryconfinementneedmental helpbutarenotreceivingit. Anonymous,SCIDallasRestrictedHousingUnit(confinement),JacksonTwpPA(undated)source: HumanRightsCoalitionFedUpChapterInstitutionalizedCrueltyp.25 ...IwasnotallowedtocommunicatewithnooneoutsideofthisprisonandwhenItrytosendmy familyalettertheywouldnotreceiveitandwhenIwasputonadministrativecustodyIwouldask foraphonecallaweekwhenyoureallowedonephonecallaweekwhenyou'reinAC.WhenIask theywoulddenyittalkingaboutIdontdeserveanythingbecauseImapieceofshit...Ihearalltype ofnoises,peoplecrying,peoplescreamingandyellingalldayandnight.Myabilitytofocusisnotthe sameanymore... YesItrytohurtmyselfbecausetheofficerswillalwaystellmetokillmyself,callingmealltypeof namesandencouragingmetodosobecausetheysaytheworldwouldbeabetterplacewithoutme anditcametoapointwhereIstartedbelievingthem.IcantsleepatnightbecauseI'malways thinkingthattheofficersweregoingtocomeinmycellandattackme.I'malwayshavingdreams wheneverIgetachancetosleep.Ivedreamsabouttheofficerstryingtokillsmeortryingtopoison myfood.IwakeupshakingwhereIcantcontrolmynerve.IbehallucinatingthateverybodythatI lookatalwayslaughatmeandImalwayshallucinatingthateveryofficersIseeiswearingashirt thatsaidkillyourself. WallyM,SCIDallasRestrictedHousingUnit(confinement),JacksonTwpPA(9/17/09)source:Human RightsCoalitionFedUpChapterInstitutionalizedCrueltyp.27 Torture in United States Prisons (2nd Ed.) Page 11

Thesystematicgrindconsistofconstantilluminatelightinterruptingyoursleeppattern,being deniedfoodtrays,showers,exerciseyard,andhumiliatingstripsearcheswheneveryouexityourcell orgivenaurinetest.Additionally,thesensorydeprivationexacerbatestheproblemsprisonersalready haveandthemostrationalindividualsfinditextremelydifficulttoacceptthisabuseandwanton inflictionofpain...fabricatedmisconductsandretaliationbyRHUsguardsforchallengingandbeing defiantoftheirabuseofauthorityoftenresultinginplacementintheSpecialManagementUnit.This controlunitisdesignedtodepriveprisonersandbreaktheirspiritandmind PaulR,StateCorrectionalInstitution,HuntingdonPA(4/29/10) thesestatebasedCMUunitssuchasbeinglockedupandconfinedtoawindowlessmonkey cage22hoursaday,inwhichthereisnohumancontactwithotherprisoners,andno environmentalstimulation K.T.A.,PelicanBayStatePrison,CrescentCityCA Myfoodtrayshavebeensprayedwithmaceorcleaningagents,tohavinghumanfecesandurine putintothembyguardswhodelivertraystomybreakfast,lunch,anddinnerIhavewitnessedsane menofcharacterbecomeselfmutilators,sufferparanoia,panicattacks,hostilefantasiesabout revenge.OneprisonerwouldswallowpacksofAAbatteries,andstickapencilinhispenis.They wouldcutonthemselvestogaincontactwithstaffnursesorjusttodrawattentiontothemselves. Thesemenmadeslinginghumanfecesbodywastedailylikeitwasarecognizedsport.Somewould eatitorrubitalloverthemselvesasifitwasbodylotion Isolation Page 12

DrawingbyTodd (HyungRae)Tarselli

Prisoncratsuseaformofrestraint,abedcraftedtostrapmeninfourpointVelcrostraps.Both handstothewristandbothfeettotheanklesandsecured.Prisonershavebeenkeptlikethisfor36 hoursatatime.Mosttimestheywouldremovealltheirclothes.TheSpecialConfinementUnitused the[waterhoses]onthesemenalsoWhenprisonsbecomeovercrowded,prisoncratswilldo forceddoublebunking.Overcrowdingissuespresentsanassortmentofproblemsmanyofwhich resultsinviolencePrisoncratswillpurposelyhouseasexoffenderinacellwithprisonerswithsole intentionsofhavinghimbeatenuporevenkilled. K.M.K.,SHUWabashValleyCorrectionalFacility,CarlisleIN(2010) Insegregation,prisonerswerelockedincells23hoursaday.Alltheamenitiesofpopulationlife describedabovewereabsent.Everysinglesegregationprisonerwassubjecttosolitaryconfinement. Mentallyillprisoners,someofwhomhadattemptedsuicidemultipletimes,werehousedinthe segregationunitwiththeothersegregationprisoners.Therewereprisonerswhothrewfoodand feces,whorattledandpoundedtheirdoors,whoyelledfromcelltocellorscreamedincoherentlyat allhours Insegregation,theselightsglow24hoursaday.This,combinedwiththestandardsleepcyclewere techniquesspecificallyusedasmethodsforlowintensityandplausiblydeniabletortureinmilitary manualsIassistedineditingwhileintheU.S.Army.ThesetorturetechniqueswereemployedatToCI Insegregation,thetraysusedforfooddeliverydidnotevenholdtheappropriatelysizedportions. Segregationfoodservingswereoftenhalfthenormalsize.Asaconsequence,Ilostapproximately 30poundsin70days,weightthatIgainedbackaftermyreleasetopopulation Insegregation,itispolicyforprisonerstobesubjecttofullvisualbodycavitysearchesandtobe handcuffed,shackled,andbellychainedwheneverleavingthecell.Allmovementwasunderescort. Istillhavescarsonmyanklesfrombeingshackledandforcedtowalkupstairs,throughextended hallways,andbackdownstairs.Ihadopenwoundsonmyanklesthatwouldnothealforweeksata time WhenIarrivedinsegregationaprisonernamedAoccupiedthecellnexttoit,sharingtheventthe smellofhumanfecesandfilthpermeate[d]mycellthroughthevent.Afterhistransfer,another mentallyillprisonernamedOwasmovedfromhiscelldowntherangewithoutexplanationintothe cellAhadvacated.Omadeseveralsuicideattemptsandwouldstayupfordaysatatime,rantingon manictirades,poundinghisdoor,sometimesfloodingtherangewithdirtytoiletwaterthatspilled undermycelldoorandlefthumanwasteonthefloorAprisonernamedFrieszattemptedsuicide. Afterbeingplacedinthesuicidecell,heclimbedontohissinkanddoveheadfirsttothecement floortryingtokillhimselfyetagain.Theconditionsinsegregationdrovepeopletosuicide. SeanS,MansfieldCorrectionalFacility,MansfieldOH(5/17/10)

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CollagebyOjoreLutalo in1997,Idefectedfromthe[validatedprisongang]andrenouncedmygangassociationand withdrewfromallgangactivity.YethereIsit13yearslater,stillinsegregation,althoughCDCRknows thatIamadropoutIhavebeentryingtogetoutofmyvalidationformanyyearswithoutsuccess.Its aslowandfrustratingprocesswithtwistsandturnsandroadblocks.Iam52yearsoldandcontinueto sufferpunitiveisolationIwasfirstintroducedtoat35withinthewallsofCaliforniasSHUunits Manyarethedaysthatwegowithoutashowerorwithoutyardorexercise.24hourperiodslocked inacell,moreoftenthannotforconsecutivedays.Theadministrationwilluseanylittleexcusethey cantokeepuslockedinourcells.Weloseshowers,yardandmedicalonaregularbasis.Ispentthe betterpartof2008andpartof2009inacellwithoutanyglassina2footby4footwindowframe.I hadtousetheblanketIwasissuedasacovering.IsleptwithallmyclothesonabaremattresssoI couldhavetwosheetstocovermyselfwith.Ialsolivedwithhugecockroachesandmiceandhadto securemyfooditemsbyhangingtheminatshirtfromtheceilingventtokeepbugsandrodents out.Ivehadtodrinkwaterwithtoxiclevelsofarsenicandseleniumwellabovefederalstandards.If thisisnottorture,Idontknowwhatis.

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IhaveseenmanyfallvictimtoisolationandsensorydeprivationoftheSHUenvironment.The indifferenceismindboggling.TheprevailingattitudebyCOsisthatweregarbageandsowhatif youdontgettreatedhumanely,whocares?Iactuallyheardaguardsay,weusedtobeableto beatthecrapoutofthem,buttheycriedtothecourts,sonowwegetintroubleifwetouchthem. JoeA,CorcoranStatePrisonSHU,CorcoranCA(RealCostofPrisons5/4/10)

Ihavescarsonmyankles(asIknoweveryoneheredoestoo)fromwheresomeofficersliketo sharpentheshacklestocutintotheprisoners(aprisonerdoesnotleavethecellwithoutcuffsand/or shackles).Thesesametypesofguardswillclampdownoncuffstocutintotheskin.Whentheinmate proteststheguardswillsometimesleavethemonforhours.Thatisafavoritepunishmentofthese guardstoanyprisonerthatstandsupforhisselfworth.Leavethem/himincuffslethimstewinhis ownfecesandurineforadayIveseenamanstumble(chainonshackles)andwasthrowntothe floorandakneeonhisneck.Hescreamedthekneewenttohisfacebreakinghisfrontteeth meanwhiletheotherofficeriskickinghiminhisballswellkneeinghisballswhileheheldthe prisonerslegsopen.Theinmatechargedwithassault,theofficerisnowasergeant Torture in United States Prisons (2nd Ed.) Page 15

DrawingbyTodd (HyungRae) Tarselli

RightnowasIwritethisamanhasabrokenmindandspirit.Hescreamsstopshutupshutup fuckyou!Hesnotscreamingatus.Hescreamsbecausehesalittlepsychoticandtheguardsinthe towerwillopenhisdooralittlecrackandthencloseit.Prisondoorsdontcloselikedoorsathome theyslamshutBOOM.Andtheyturnonthespeakerandtaptaptapforhours.Theyllyell intothespeaker,sayingverbalabusessometimes,sometimesjustyelling. KevinO,ElyStatePrison,ElyNV(6/1/10) Iwitnessedseveralincidentsofguardoninmateabuse.OnceIsawtwoguardspunchaninmatein thefacewhiletheinmatewashandcuffedandshackledtoabench.Isawinmatesslammedfacefirst ontotheconcrete,oftenfornothing.Theseincidentsciteonlytheovertphysicalabuse.Themental abusewas,insomecases,worseEvennow,sixmonthsoutoftheholeIstillremainaffected.I withdrawfromsocialinteraction/setting.Ifeelfrustratedfornoapparentreason.Possiblythemost damagingaspectofsegregationisthesenseofpowerlessness.Youcanyell,scream,report misconductandabusetoprisonofficialstonoavail. BrianS,JeffersonCityCorrectionalCenter,JeffersonCityMO(6/10/10) ThecontroltowerwasmannedbyoneCO.Eachshiftliterallyexperimentedondifferentways (methods)totortureme.Theydwritenotesandcallinmyresponsestothetorturer.Theywere constantlyontheirphonesandwalkietalkiescommunicatingaboutwhattheyweredoingThe bottom(lowertower)COwouldringthecontroltowerandthecontroltowerCOwouldstartturning knobsononeoftheconsoleboards(controlandmixingboards)andthiswouldturnupacertain frequencythroughthesoundsystem.Thentheydblarethesoundintotheisolationcellsoloudit hurtmyears.Hedthenaddprerecordedsoundsofaguillotinehackingofflimbsandseveralother soundsatthesametime.Theydidthisfordays.Theydplaycertainrecordingsoverandoveragain toelicitaresponseandthentakenotesIthurtsobadIbeggedthemtostop.Theydusesign languagelikeputtingtheirhandstogetherinprayerformationandpointattheconcretefloorto implyIhadtoprayandbegtothemonmyhandsandknees Anotherexampleisatermtheycalledfired.Theydusesomekindofvoltagethatmadethehairs onmyarmsstandup.Itwasapainful,continuous,irritablefeeling.Whentheyturneditupthat meansitwaswhattheycalledhotter(highervoltage).Theyalsohadatermcooloff.Thecellfloor wouldgetcoldandtheatmospherewouldmakemeshakebutIcouldstillfeelsomevoltage Sometimestheydhaveallintercomsplayingthroughtheloudspeakersatonetimeandthentheyd addechoorhighpitchedfrequencysoundssimilartosoundstheyusewhentheycheckearsatthe doctor.ThentheydblareitallintotheisolationcellandplayitoffandonfordaysOnedaythey hadahighfrequencyechosoloudinthecellitfeltlikemyearsweregoingtoexplode. EricH,ElDoradoCorrectionalFacility,ElDoradoKS(1/15/10) offendersareforcedtogonumerousnightswithoutsleepduetoofficialsinvalidatedpracticeof keepinglightson24hrsadayontherareoccasionthatcelllightsareturnedoffitisonlyfor45 minutesorso.Offendersarenotallowedtocoverlightsincells,ifanoffenderdoeshefacesa conductviolationandsubsequentdenialofhisbreakfastmeal.Thisnotonlyisphysicallytorturous (whereasprolongedsleepdeprivationcausesheadaches,etc).Itisalsopsychologicallytorturous (whereas)prolongedsleepdeprivationleadingtodementia,paranoia,irritabilityetcservesto worsenmentalillness.Theseconditionsalsoinflictchronicinsomniawhichisdefinedas sleeplessnesslastingformorethanamonth,orchronicintermittentinsomniainwhichperiods(days orweeks)ofinsomniaalternatewithperiodsofgoodrest.Mentalhealthstafftendstothrowdrugs attheproblem.However,althoughthesedrugswilltreatthesymptoms,mentalhealthstaffhavea Isolation Page 16

morepressingresponsibilityofaddressingtheunderlyingproblemwhichissleepdeprivation causedbyconstantexposuretobrightstrobelightingwithincells. AntwonW,SouthCentralCorrectionalCenter,LickingMO65542(6/7/10) Manypeoplemaynotknowwhatitsliketobeisolatedforsolongthewaywevebeenhere,andI wouldsaythatitslikebeinglockedinthetrunkofacarwithenoughweatherstrippingremovedso thatyoucanbreathe,andwithenoughfoodandwaterstuffedineverydaysothatyoucan physicallysurvive.Youresoongoingtorealizewhatitactuallymeanswhenitssaidthatwere socialbeings.Youregoingtocravesocialinteractionandhumancontact.Soonyoullbehollering outthecracksofthetrunktoseeifanyoneisoutthere,anyonewhoyoucanatleasttalktofor evenabrieftime.GabeH,PelicanBayStatePrison,CrescentCityCA(6/7/10) Ifthesensorydeprivationdoesnotsubdueapersonthentheyresorttophysicalattackswith chemicalagentsoverthemosttrivialmerdetheycanthinkof.Strippingamannakedandputting himinacellwithNOTHINGbecausehecausedadisruptionbynotifyingthecorrectionsofficersof rottenandputridfoodbeingservedHereisalistofthingstheydotoprisoners:..Spraypepper spray/chemicalmaceintocellsjusttoestablishwhosincontroletc.20Hoursadayofconstant fluorescentlighting.Dogleashes(restrainttether)usedontopofhandcuffstoleavethecell.Every time.Restrainttethers,shackles,bellychains,handcuffsandblackboxestoseeourfamiliesfor2 hoursofnocontactvisiting.Tormentingourvisitorswithseeingusinsuchastate.Chainedbeyond anyrealsecurityconcernsTheyveblockedairflowfromunderthedoorswithsandbagscausinga fluxofstaphinfectionalongwithavarietyofotherbacteria,fungi,andviruses.Thosesandbagsare wetandputrid(sometimesImnotsureifImsmellingthefoodtraysortherottingsandbags.) NateR,JeffersonCityCorrectionalCenter,JeffersonCity,MO(7/1/07) TammsCorrectionalCenter currentproceduresforsendingprisonerstotheTammsCorrectionalCenterinSouthernIllinois andkeepingthemthereindefinitelyisinviolationofthe14thAmendmenttoU.S.Constitution, whichguaranteesdueprocessoflaw.Thejudgeorderedthatsignificantchangesbemadeatthe notoriousstatesupermaxJudgeMurphymadeclearthathisrulingisnarrowlydrawn,extendsno furtherthannecessarytocorrecttheviolationofthe14thAmendmentdueprocessrightsofIDOC [IllinoisDepartmentofCorrections]inmatesplacedatTamms,andistheleastintrusivemeans necessarytocorrecttheviolationofthefederalrightsofsuchinmates. JeanCasellaandJamesRidgeway,JudgeRulesProceduresatTammsSupermax ViolateConstitutionSolitaryWatch,July212010 SinceIbeenatTammsJuly8,1998topresent,Ihavecut,biteandhungorattemptedtohang myself.Ibeenonandoff17differentmedicationssinceIbeeninprison1994toMarch2009 whenIwasforceoffmedsbyDr.KforwritingagrievanceagainstherINEEDHELP!Someone PLEASEHELPME! RobertF,TammsCorrectionalFacility,TammsIL(6/8/09) guardsfoundRobertF,33,deadonJune23inhiscellintheTammsSpecialTreatmentUnit, ormentalward... GeorgePawlaczykandBethHundsdorfer,BellevilleNewsDemocrat,TrappedinTamms:InIllinois onlysupermaxfacility,inmatesareincells23hoursaday.August4,2009

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TammswardenYJtoldheronthephonethatFoorwasnotreceivinganymedicationsatthe timeofhisdeath DustyRhodes,PrivateHell:MentallyIllTammsinmatediesinsolitaryconfinement.IllinoisTimes, 7/2/09.http://www.illinoistimes.com/Springfield/article6079privatehell.html

Inastatementinsupportofhisdecisioninadueprocessprisonerslawsuit,U.S.DistrictCourt JudgeG.PatrickMurphywrote,Tamms[Supermax]imposesdramaticlimitationsonhuman contact,somuchsoastoinflictlastingpsychologicaldamageandemotionalharmoninmates confinedthereforlongperiodsPrisonofficialsandinmateswhodescribedcrushing monotonyofspending23hoursperdayaloneinacell,devoidofhumancontactThejudges findingsconcerningpsychologicalharmcontradictsprisonofficialsnumerousclaimsoverthe yearssincethesupermaxopenedin1998,thatlongtermsolitaryconfinementdoesnotleadto mentalbreakdown. GeorgePawlaczykandBethHundsforfer,IsolationatTammsleadstomentalillness,judgerules. BellevilleNewsDemocratJuly2,52010 Isolation Page 18

DrawingbyTodd(HyungRae)Tarselli

Krystalreportsthatshewasphysicallyattackedbyotheryouthnearlyeverydaythatshewasin thesystem.Shortlyafterarriving,Krystalfoundhershoesinthetrash,coveredinurineandspit. Frequently,youthsattackedKrystalforrefusingtoperformsexacts.Otherqueeryouthinthefacility hadsimilarexperiences.We'reallinthesamecategory,shesays.Andtherewasnowheretohide. Itwasbasicallylikeabigdormonebigroomwhereeverybodysleeps,that'swhat'sgoingon, Krystalsays.Sometimesyouwouldgetsenttolockdownforfightingback,butthere'snothingelse youcando.Krystalreportedtheabusetostaff,buttheywouldjustwaittillthingshappened. Sometimesthestaffwouldtelltheotheryouthtostop.Sometimestheywouldn't.WhenKrystal was13or14,thebullyingandviolencebecamesobadthatstaffplacedherinprotectivecustody, wheresheremainedforamonth. DanielRedman,Iwasscaredtosleep:LGBTyouthfaceviolencebehindbars.TheNation.June21,2010 Iamverythankfulthattherearepeoplelikeyouintheworldwhocare.Afriendofmineletmeborrow andreadyourSurvivorsManual.Itbroughtsomanymemories.TearsfellfrommyeyesasIthought backtothemanyyearsIwasforcedtospendinsolitaryconfinementintotalisolationandtheyears spentincontrolunitsforcedtoendureunspeakableformsofabusebybothinmatesandprisonofficials. IvebeenbeatenandrapedmoretimesthatIcaretoremember.Degradedanddehumanized.Passedon fromonemantoanother.Fromoneorganizationtothenext.Imstilltreatedwiththesame discriminationanddeliberateindifference.Iamatransgendered(maletofemale)inmatecurrently incarceratedinacontrolunitwithinthefederalbureauofprisons.Iaminmymidthirtiesandhavebeen incarceratedforalmost16yearsAnonymous Ithasbeenconvincinglydocumentedonnumerousoccasionsthatsolitaryconfinementmaycause seriouspsychologicalandsometimesphysiologicalilleffects.Researchsuggeststhatbetweenone thirdandasmanyas90percentofprisonersexperienceadversesymptomsinsolitary confinement.Alonglistofsymptomsrangingfrominsomniaandconfusiontohallucinationsand psychosishasbeendocumented.Negativehealtheffectscanoccurafteronlyafewdaysin solitaryconfinement,andthehealthrisksrisewitheachadditionaldayspentinsuchconditions. Individualsmayreacttosolitaryconfinementdifferently.Still,asignificantnumberofindividualswill experienceserioushealthproblemsregardlessofthespecificconditions,regardlessoftimeand place,andregardlessofpreexistingpersonalfactors.Thecentralharmfulfeatureofsolitary confinementisthatitreducesmeaningfulsocialcontacttoalevelofsocialandpsychological stimulusthatmanywillexperienceasinsufficienttosustainhealthandwellbeing.Theuseofsolitary confinementinremandprisonscarrieswithitanotherharmfuldimensionsincethedetrimental effectswilloftencreateadefactosituationofpsychologicalpressurewhichcaninfluencethepretrial detaineestopleadguilty.Whentheelementofpsychologicalpressureisusedonpurposeaspartof isolationregimessuchpracticesbecomecoerciveandcanamounttotorture. InternationalPsychologicalTraumaSymposium,December2007.Kingdom,Applicationnos. 24027/07,11949/08and36742/08,CouncilofEurope:EuropeanCourtofHumanRights,6July2010, http://www.unhcr.org/refworld/docid/4c3718882.html TerroristsuspectscannotbesenttolifeinjailinUS,EuropeanCourtrules Thecourtsaidthesentenceswouldbreachtheprohibitiononinhumanordegradingtreatment underArticleThreeoftheEuropeanConventionofHumanRightsThejudgeshavealsoruledthat prolongeddetentioninsolitaryconfinementinaUSsupermaxprisoninFlorence,Coloradowould breachArticleThree. DuncanGardham,SecurityCorrespondent,www.telegraph.co.uk,July8,2010 Torture in United States Prisons (2nd Ed.) Page 19

Communications Management Units

Note:TheFederalCorrectionalComplexinTerreHaute,INandtheUnitedStatesPenitentiaryin Marion,ILcurrentlyhousethetwoCommunicationsManagementUnitsinthefederalsystem. Thelatestprogressionofcontrolunitsarecalledsecuritythreatgroupmanagementunits.Thisis particularlyegregiousbecauseitisthegovernmentwhichgetstodefinewhatasecuritythreat groupis.AccordingtoanationalsurveydonebytheDepartmentofJustice,theDepartmentsof CorrectionsofMinnesotaandOregonnamedallAsiansasgangs,whichMinnesotafurther compoundsbyaddingallNativeAmericans.NewJersey,Oklahoma,andPennsylvaniagoontolist variousIslamicgroupsasgangs.Becauseofmyownbackground,Iamverymindfulofwhois consideredasecuritythreattothiscountryandhowtheyaretreated.Theprogressionoftheuse ofisolationismostrecentlyknownasCommunicationsManagementUnitsinfederalprisonswhich aredesignedtorestrictthecommunicationofimprisonedMuslimswiththeirfamilies,themedia, andtheoutsideworld.ThistreatmentofprisonersisreplicatedinUSsecretprisonsthroughoutthe worldwherealmostallofthosecapturedarepeopleofcolor. BonnieKernessseminar,MuslimAllianceinNorthAmerica(7/17/10) TheBureauestablishedtheCMUatFCCTerreHaute,IN,tohouseinmateswho,duetotheir currentoffenseofconviction,offenseconduct,orotherverifiedinformation,requireincreased monitoringofcommunicationswithpersonsinthecommunitytoensurethesafe,secureand orderlyrunningofBureaufacilities,andtoprotectthepublic.TheCMUisanopenunitthat operatesseparatelyfromthegeneralpopulationofthemaininstitution.Withacapacityof housing90inmates,theCMUsoperationalproceduresreduceinmatesabilitytocircumvent existingmailandtelephonemonitoringprocedures.Typesofinmateswhomaybehousedthere includethose: convictedof,orassociatedwith,internationalordomesticterrorism; convictedofsexoffenseswhorepeatedlyattempttocontacttheirvictims; whoattempttocoordinateillegalactivitieswhileincarceratedviaapproved communicationmethods; thosewhohavereceivedextensivedisciplinaryactionsduetotheircontinued misuse/abuseofapprovedcommunicationmethods. StateoftheBureau2007:BureauofPrisonsStaff:EverydayHeroes,p.15.U.S.Departmentof Justice,FederalBureauofPrisons.HarleyLappin,director.

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Collageby OjoreLutalo AttheMarionCMU,72percentofthepopulationisMuslim,1,200percenthigherthanthenational averageofMuslimprisonersinfederalprisonfacilities.TheTerreHauteCMUpopulationisapproximately twothirdsMuslim,anoverrepresentationof1,000percent. CenterforConstitutionalRights,CommunicationsManagementUnits:TheFederalPrisonSystems ExperimentinSocialIsolation. Torture in United States Prisons (2nd Ed.) Page 21

ThereisnojusticeandnorightsforsomeonelikemewhoisaforeignerandMuslim.Theysentmetothe specialunitcalledGuantanamoBayonAmericanSoilforthefollowingreasons: Tomanageourcommunication(phone,visits,mail)Becausewearesupposedlyterroristsandadangerto thecommunity.Letmeexplainwhatthegovernmentclaimsandmakeitclearforyouthatitisnonsense, anexcuseforthenewfascism,thenewruleofdiscrimination. Therearepeopleherewhodonthaveanycontactwiththeoutside.Theyneverwriteorgetmail, theyhavenophonecallsandnovisits.Thiswastruewhentheywereinregularunitsforyearsbut stilltheywerebroughthere.Whichcommunicationsarebeingmanaged?Manyothershaveavisit onlyonceayear,phonecallsonceamonth,mailonceaweek.Howdifficultisthattomonitor? Whilesecretlytheywiretapmillionsofpeopleandreadbillionsofpiecesofmailandemailinthis country!Buttheycantmanagetofollowone15minutephonecallpermonthsotheymustput thepersoninthisUnit Allourvisits,evenwithfamily,mustbethroughglass.Stoppingmefromhuggingmybabyhas nothingtodowithnationalsecurity!Again,ifitsreallyasecurityconcernletthemgiveusnon contactvisitsforfriends.Butfamily,especiallychildrenunder10,havenothingtodowiththreats. Evenifthepeopleherewereadanger(whichIdontbelieve,atleastinmostcases)thereare thousandsofcriminals,evenmurderers,inmediumsecurityprisonslikethis.Buttheyareall allowedcontactvisitseveryday,not4hoursamonthandthroughtheglass.Thelawshouldbethe sameandallshouldhavethesameprivileges.TheonlydifferenceisthatweareMuslims Iwasherewhenaninmatedied.Istilldontknowwhybuttheysaiditwasaheartattack.Allwe knewwashisfrienddidnotseehimatbreakfast,andaftereatingwenttocheckonhim,hefound hisbody.Evenifitwasaheartattack,imaginewhathemusthavegonethroughallalone.Usuallyin prisonstheyhaveanemergencybuttonyoucanpress.Nothere.Hecouldhavebeenstrugglingall night.Maybeifsomeonehadknownhislifecouldhavebeensaved.Butwhocares...liketheysay, prisonersarejustnumbers.Ifonedies,itsonelessnumber. Anothernightatabout2:00amIheardsomeonebangingonthedoorofhiscellandyelling,CO! CO!Otherinmatesstartedshouting,Whatsgoingon?Heyelledback,Itsnotmebutmy neighborhesdiabeticandhecollapsed...heiscryingforhelp.Weallstartedshoutingforthe guardstocheckonhim,andthedoctoryelledthattheyshouldgivehimsomehoneyorjuice.Itstill tooktwohoursuntiltheemergencyteamarrivedwithanurse.Ifhiscellmatehadnotheardhimand startedshoutinghewouldhavedied.Whyisthisalockeddownunitbuttherearenoemergency buttonsinthecells? YassinA.,CommunicationsManagementUnit:TerreHaute,TerreHauteIN(10/14/07) http://www.albanyweblog.com/2007/10Oct/101407.html DirectorLspecificallyredressedaconcernthatsurroundedactivitiesbyMuslimsprisonerswithin thecustodyoftheFederalBureauofPrisons.BecausecertainMuslimprisonersdontrequirehigh security,DirectorLinformedCongressthattheCMUswerespecificallycreatedfortheseindividuals insteadofplacingthemintheSupermaxADX.[BOP2009BudgetHearingBeforeCongress].This requestforadditionalfundswasfor9milliondollarsafterCongresshadalreadygivenMr.L17 milliondollarsfortheCounterterroristUnitinWestVirginia(CTU).

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AgentlemanbythenameofMr.N,a71yearoldmanserving120years,alsoresidesintheCMU. Mr.Ndoesnotshowerformonthsonend.LetterswrittentotheU.S.DepartmentofHealthand HumanServicesarelostinthemail.Staff,thosespecificallyrunningtheCMUonsiteand administrationstaff,i.e.,Mrs.H,herassociatewardensanddepartmentstaffheads,areallawareof theodorofurineonMr.Nandhavemadenoattemptstohavehimtransferredtoaninstitution wherehecouldbetakenbettercareof. CenterforConstitutionalRights,CommentsSubmittedbyCurrentandFormerCMUPrisonersRoyal GeneDomingoJones,Sr.,USPMarion.June2,2010 OnatourofCamp5,amaximumsecuritycampfordetaineesthemilitarydeemsnoncompliant, thecommandingofficerrattledoffstatisticsaboutthebuilding.Itwasmodeledafteraprisonin TerreHaute,Indiana. JeremyW.Peters,TourofGuantanamoOffersaLook,butLittleElse.NewYorkTimes,August11,2010 Thosecomingoutdirectlytothestreetsfromyearsinisolationtalkaboutsleeplessness,paranoia, feelingsofviolence,andaninabilitytorelatetoanyonewhohasnthadtheexperienceofprison andisolation.Familyandfriendsreportthatthelovedonesbeingreturnedtothemafterfinishing theirsentencesarenotpeopletheyknowanymore.Thepeoplewhohaveenduredthisdescribe yearsoflivinginanenvironmentsotoxictomentalfunctioningthattheyareunabletorelateto theworldasweknowituponrelease.Onemandescribedcuttinghimselfjustsohecouldfeel something.Ionceaskedamanwhyhethrewfecesonofficers,whatcouldpossiblycompelhimto behavelikethat?Hesaiditwastheonlypowerhehadleft. BonnieKerness,FromSlaverytothePrisonSystem:HumanRightsViolationsinAmerica. MonmouthUniversity,February19,2009

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Health and Medical Services and Conditions

Universal Declaration of Human Rights
Article 3 Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person. Article 6 Every human being has the inherent right to life. This right shall be protected by law. No one shall be arbitrarily deprived of his life.

International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights

Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment

Article 2 1) Each State Party shall take effective legislative, administrative, judicial or other measures to prevent acts of torture in any territory under its jurisdiction. 2) No exceptional circumstances whatsoever, whether a state of war or a threat of war, international political instability or any other public policy emergency, may be invoked as a justification of torture. 3) An order from a superior officer or a public authority may not be invoked as a justification of torture. Article 16 4) Each State Party shall undertake to prevent in any territory under its jurisdiction other acts of cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment which do not amount to torture as defined in Article 1, when such acts are committed by or at the instigation of or with the consent or acquiescence of a public official or other person acting in an official capacity.

Pleaseallowmetoexplaintheunhealthy,unsanitary,unsafeandnastycellsIvebeenplacedin sinceIvebeenhere5/9/08Sgt.Bmovedmeinacellbuilding18DLower11thathadbloodonthe floor,thewalls,themirror,thetoilet,thebedframeandthesinkfromtheguyinthecellbeforeme hithisheadorsomethingandIwasforcedtocleanitupon4to12shiftbarehandedwithjust torntowelsthatthe4to12officersgavemebecauseSgt.Bwouldntgivemeanythingtocleanthe bloodupwithonhisshift(8to4)andwhenIaskedhim[Sgt.B]forsomeglovesandcleaning supplies,toldme,FnoIfiledagrievanceandtold,nongrievable Ivebeentoldbyseveralofficers,thatswhyIeattheirspit,theirsemenandallkindsofstuff,Ifiled grievancesonallofthethingstheyhavetoldmetheyaredoingtomyfoodandImtold,non grievable.On6/27/09,7/11/09,and12/22/09Ibitdownonmetalinmyfoodinwhichmymouth stillhurtsandbleedsfromwhenIfirstbitdownonmetalinmyfoodon6/27/09andalltheyare tryingtodois[CMSmedicaldepartment]coverupandjustifymyinjuriestomylefthandandleft Health and Medical Services and Conditions Page 24

footandcoverupandjustifywhymymouthisbleedingIfearformylife,safety,andhealthby correctionalofficersandthedepartmentofcorrectionsiscontinuingtoallowthesameexact officerstocontinueandcontinuetoassaultme,harassme,targetme,tamperwithmyfood,steal mylegalwork,stealmygrievances,etc.andIvemadethedepartmentofcorrectionsknowexactly whatsgoingonbutnothingisbeingdoneaboutitatall GregR,SHUJamesT.VaughnCorrectionalCenter,SmyrnaDE IamalungandbronchialtubecancerpatientandithasmetastasizedsubstantiallyDuetothe cancer,radiation,andbotchedsurgery,Iaminconstantpain.IamonlifetimeM.S.Contin [morphine]painmedicationwhichalsohelptremendouslyforthemultiplespinedisease painPrisonstaffdeliberatelyrefusetoallowmetogotomypainmedicationappointmentsorthey deliberatelyinterferebyholdingmeinmyhousingfor2hourswhichbothcauseunnecessarypain andnarcoticswithdrawalsthatareevenworsethanthecancerpain

Anotherincidentwheremedicalstaffdeliberatelyrefusedtoprovidemypainmedicationwasduring aheatwaveof101105degrees.ThisTexasprisonunitwithmanyelderly,andveryillinmates,has noairconditioningthemedicalholdingcageisnotinthemedicaldepartmentlikeonalmostall otherTexasprisonunits.Itisinthemainhallwayinfrontofmedical.everyonemustsitatalltimes.

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Duringthehottestsummermonthsthecagesbecomesofullwithstaphinfection,medication,and treatmentsthatitisshouldertoshouldersitting.thecagesbecomesohot,thebodyheatbeingheldin bycinderblockwallsandbodiesshouldertoshoulderthatwebecomesoakingwetwithperspiration. OnonesuchoccasionIbecamedizzyandnauseousandIwenttothemedicaldoorandaskedtosit insideafterexplainingmysymptoms.Theguardnotonlyrefusedbutrefusedtotellthemedical staffsittinginthecageduringaheatwaveIbecamedizzyagainandfeltlikeIwasgoingtobesick nauseaandmouthwatering.BecausethepillwindowwasstillgoingwithregularmedsIknewfrom experiencethatitwasgoingtobealongwhileuntiltheyweredone[cancermedsaregiveninthe medicaldepartmentunderdirectobservation]soIwentbacktomyhousingtolayinfrontofmyfan.As soonascountclearedIwentbacktothemedicaldept.,Iwasgoneabout1hourandassoonasIwalked uptheR.N.,Ms.R,yelledthruthedoorYouarenotgettingyourmedication!Itwasarough,rough night.Cancerpain,narcoticwithdrawal,andalltheheatstrokesymptoms. MichaelS,TexasDepartmentofCriminalJustice,RosharonTX(5/3/10) July19,2007inmateDaleIdiedfromaraginginfectioncausedbyfecalmatterseepingintohis abdomenthroughaperforatedulcer.TheofficialinvestigationfoundthatJailHealthService caregiversoverlookedorignoredtheevidencethatIszleywasinseriousmedicaltroubletheday beforehedied.DocumentsshowIszleybeggedtobesenttoahospitalandwrithedinpainfor nearlytwodaysbeforehediedinthejailsinfirmary. JohnS,SeattleWAKingCountyJail(5/4/10) AprisonerbythenameofFredCdiedthispastweek,andyoushouldbeinformedthatthereis littledoubtthathisdeathwascaused,atleastinpart,byhismaltreatmentatthehandsofyourB podhousingstaffMr.Ccomplainedincessantlyofexperiencingchestpainsb/cofhispresumed mentalhealthissues,staffmostlyrolledtheireyesandignoredMr.Csmedicalcomplaintsstaff wouldmakefunofMr.CsmedicalcomplaintsThesmellandfilthassociatedwithMr.Cs dramaticallydeclininghealthdidnotmovehousingstafftoseekmedicalhelpforhim,butinstead causedfurtherangerandresentmentbystaff[C]wassubjectedtohazingandharassmentbyunit officersonaregularbasisinconnectionwithhisinabilityorunwillingnesstostandtotakeshowers. Insteadofattemptingtoaccommodatehisneedsbyprovidingachairintheshower,orproviding himaccesstoabathtubinthemedicalunit,housingstafftookitasachallengetotryandforceMr. Ctoshower.ThiswasattemptedonmanyoccasionsbylockingMr.Cintheshowerandleavinghim inthere,layingonthefilthyshowerfloor,forliterallyhoursatatimeIpersonallywitnessednight OfficerHtakeagrievancefromMr.Csdoor,dropitonthefloor,andusehisshoetojamthe grievancebackunderMr.Csdoor. CharlieF,AdultDetentionComplex,SaltLakeCityUtah(5/24/10) Ivebeenforcedtolivethreemeninacellhousewithacameraoverourlivingquarteroneofour cellmatesisforcedtolayonthefloorduetohisageheshouldnthaveto.Butweareforcedtoshut uporwewouldbepeppersprayedorshockedbytaseragain.Thephoneswontpermitustocall outtotheMarshallsofficewhenweevergetthetelephone. HowardH,CalcasieuParishCorrectionCenter,LakeCharlesLA70602(6/6/10) Ihadanemotionalbreakdownandkickedthedoortomycell.IrealizedthatIhadbrokenmyleg bykickingthedoorandcalledontheintercomforhelp,statingthatIhurtmyleg.Noone responded.Icontinuedtolieonthefloorandcallforhelp.Afterabout20minutes,staff respondedtheyreturnedaboutfifteenminuteslaterandtoldmetomoveawayfromthedoorso theycouldseeme.IinformedthemthatIcouldnotmovebecausemylegwasbroken.They Health and Medical Services and Conditions Page 26

respondedthatunlessIcrawledacrossthefloortheywouldnotcallforanurse.Iwasabletodrag myselfatotalofaboutsixfeetawayfromthedoor,ittookoverahalfofanhourtodosoStaffand thenurseleftagain.Thenursereturnedaboutfifteenminuteslaterwithtwelvesecuritystaff.Staff enteredmyroom,thengrabbedmyarms,handcuffedme,androlledmeonmyback,heldmy brokenlegdown,thenpulledupmypantleg,causingmeextremepain.Iwaslefttolieonthefloor untilemergencytransportpeoplearrivedaboutthirtyminuteslaterIwasdiagnosedwithmultiple fracturestomyrightlegIwasarbitrarilydeniedallmybreakswhileinisolationfromthetimeofmy injuryuntilaftersurgery.SoIwaslockedinmycell24hoursaday.Mykneehasbeenpermanently injured,andIlostfeelinginthedorsalsideofthelegandthreetoes OnoraboutNovember13,2003,Icomplainedofintensepaintomylowerbackfromacystwhere myskinswelledgreatly,andthenbrokeandbledasaresultofbeinginbedbecauseofmyleg injuryWhenthenursearrived,shemerelyplacedagauzepadovermybleedingskinandleft.I explainedthatitwasnecessarytolancethecystinordertodrainthefluidwhenIreceivedno furthermedicalhelp,Ieventuallyfeltforcedtopuncturethecystanddrainitmyself,becausethe painandpressureweresogreat.TheMSOPrefusedtoprovidemewithadoctorforthiscondition untiltheendofDecember2003.Thedoctoratthehospitalrecommendedsurgery.Thefacilityfailed toarrangesurgeryuntilFebruary24,2004whenagolfballsizedcystwasfinallyremoved. ArthurS,MinnesotaSexOffenderProgram,MooseLakeMN(6/8/10) InthetenyearssincemyinitialstayatPassaicCountyJail,inmateshave,andarecontinuallybeing forcedtoliveinabsolutesqualor;whichexposesthemtoavarietyofparasiticinfectionslikescabies, lice,ringwormandcrabs,aswellasskindiseaseslikeMRSAandimpetigo.Thisfilthcontributesto theobviousinfestationproblem. MichaelB,PassaicCountyJail,PassaicNJ(9/14/09) Icamedownwithsomethingcalledcellulitis.Cellulitisisabacterialinfectionoftheskinwhichif leftuntreatedmaycausesepticemia,apotentiallyfatalcondition.NowIwassickwithcellulitisinmy foot.Andforthreeweekstheconditionhadgotsobadtheprisoncall911.AndIwastakentoSt. FrancishospitalwhereIstayedfor7dayswithonedayintheICU. KofiB,NewJerseyStatePrison,TrentonNJ(7/16/10) Onabout2006,atBexarCountyJailinSanAntonio,IpickupHepatitisC,alongwithStaphinfection thatcausedmetohaveabloodpoisoning,inwhichcausedacyst,thatgrowonmyneck,andhadto haveanoperationonmynecknowIhaveascaronmyneckfrommyeartothebottomofmyneck, intheareaof10to11incheslongIdidnthaveanythingwrongwithmewhenIgotintothecounty jail,nowinprisonIcantgetnotreatment,untilmylivergoesout,thenitstoolate DavidP,TexasDepartmentofCriminalJustice,StilesUnit,BeaumontTX(6/2/08) Inasystemwhere95%ofpeopleinprisonreturntoourcommunities,theimpactofcrueltyand poormedicalpracticesisntjustamatterofhumandecency.Theyinvolve,amongotherthings, seriouspublichealthconcernswithbothimmediateandlongtermimplications.Publichealth issuesincludingHepatitisC,Tuberculosis,HIV,mentalillnessandsymptomsrelatedtopost traumaticstressdisorder.Manyleaveprisonswithoutanyofthemedication,whichformedthe bedrockoftheirtreatment,therebyriskingdiffusionofthesediseases. BonnieKerness,FromSlaverytothePrisonSystem:HumanRightsViolationsinAmerica. MonmouthUniversityHumanRelationsAdvisoryCommittee,February192009 Torture in United States Prisons (2nd Ed.) Page 27

Mental Illness
peoplewhohavementalillnesswillgetsprayedwithmacefirst,thentheyllshootgasthreetimes inthecellbeforetheyruninfourtofivesuitedupmentoputtheinmateinthegroundand handcuffandshackle.Usuallywhenthishappenstoanybodywhogetsauseofforcetheyare strippednaked,allpropertyincludingmattressisthrownoutandyoudontgetfednextmealforthe facttheyhavetodopaperwork RubenZ,EstelleHighSecurityUnit,HuntsvilleTX(3/17/10) Ivehadseriousmentalillnesssincechildhood,bipolardisorderandbehavioralproblems, intermittentexplosivedisorderandIvegotintellectualfunctioningdisorder!Aswellaschronic seizures,grandmalseizuresmymentalillnesswent100%untreatedformyfirstcoupleyearsin prison!WhichcausedmetobeputintoconfinementIvebeeninstripcellswithnothingbuta steelbunkinthemiddleofwinterandnoheatinthecellhouseandhadtheofficersspraywaterin mycellandonmyself,andIwouldstaylikethatforupto1012daysattimes!Withthewholecell havingathinlayeroffrost!...Icutmyselfsobadtheguardsgotsickuponseeingmywounds!Iwas injectedwithlotsofpsychmeds,placedin5pointrestraintsforverylongtimesIwasso paranoidmymentalhelpwasasupermegadoseofpsychmedsandaboxcarsegregationcell! BobbyB,TammsCorrectionalCenter,TammsIL(5/7/10) OnMarch5,2010,anadjustmentshearingwasheldandKwasconvictedinabsentia.FredNs[the hearingofficer]recordofthehearingallegesthatKwaivedhisrighttobepresentatthehearing,to havearepresentative,ortocallwitnesses.Kwasfoundguiltyofusingthreateninglanguageand disrespect.Kwassentencedto340dayssegregation,thelossofvisitsfor150days,andthelossof 1,000goodconductdays.Inimposingtheunusuallyharshandcruelsentence,Nobviouslygaveno considerationtoKsmentalhistoryorcondition,andtheresnoreasonforaninferencethatNeven caredwhetherKwasmentallycapableofknowinglyandintelligentlywaivinghisrightsInmateK hasahistoryofmentalillnessOntheafternoonofMarch5th,whentheconsequencesofthe adjustmenthearingwerecautiouslyexplainedtoK,hepresumablycuthimselfandwas subsequentlymovedtothesuicidewatchareaoftheinstitution OnFebruary2,2010,Iwashousedinasegregationcellnexttoamentallyillinmatehearouseda greatdealofcommotionbecausehewascoatinghimselfwithhumanfeces,spreadingthesame aroundthecellandonthecelldoorwindowfromwhichhewaslickingthewaste.Securitystaff reactedtothiscryforhelpbyinitiallythreatening,tonoavail,todeprivethepatientofhisfood ration.Withinafewdaysthepoorsoulwasrotatedoutoftheareaandawayfromotherinmates awareofthepatientsneglectedcondition AgainonFebruary19th,2010,amentallychallengedinmatenamedMomidWwasexitingthe housingunit#5adjustmentshearingroom,fromwhichheseemedtohavebeensomewhat propelled.InmateWwascuffedfrombehind,andjustasheclearedthedoorframehewasstrucka viciousblowtothebackoftheheadbyacorrectionalofficertohisrear.TheblowknockedWtothe floorwherehewasthenkickedandpummeledbytwoofficersbeforehewaspainfullyliftedand drugoutofsightbythehandcuffsthatsecuredhisarmsbehindhisback NormP,WesternCorrectionalInst.,Cumberlan,MD3/9/10(written),5/18/10(received)

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Thisguyhas40yearsinPrisonandithastakenagreatpsychologicaltollonhismind.Hehas illusions,paranoid+verypsychoticTheyoungofficersliketotaunthim,andprovokearesponseto givehimaticket. S.D.P.,UpstateCorrectionalFacility,MaloneNY(5/20/10) takenfromalettertoallwhowilllisten,takewhatIhavetosayseriouslyandopentheirmindto acceptthetruthIhaveheardvoices(andstilldo)andseenthingsthatotherpeopledontsee(and stilldo)andanytimeItrytoseekhelp,Iameitherlaughedatandcalledaliar,orevenworse, punishedbybeingplacedinafreezingcoldcellwithnoclothesitiswelldocumentedthathehas hadmentalhealthproblemshestateshishistoryofselfmutilationpsychologistsconclusions state:Mr.Pobviouslyhadsomeseriousmentalhealthproblemsevenbeforehebeganbeing housedinisolation;hehasbeenhousedinisolationalmosttheentiretenyearsthathehasbeen incarcerated.Mr.Pbelievesthatthesensorydeprivationhashadmuchtodowithhisactingout throughcustodialassaultshebeginstodevelopsuspiciousandparanoidfeelingsrelieve[s]the stressbyselfmutilationandactingouthegivesthisaccountofthetreatmenthedidreceiveinthe SpecialOffendersUnit:Iwasplacedintherestraintbedduetoaselfharmattempt.Whileinthe restraintbedIwasassaultedbyanofficercametotherestraintbed,toconductacertcheckon therestraintsC/OShawopenhandsmackedme,extremelyhardwithexcessforce,twotimesin therightsideofmyface FromprisoneradvocateonbehalfofKyleP,WashingtonStateDOC(5/30/10) eventhoughtheuseofchemicalagents/ad[ministrative]seg[regation]onmentallyill unconstitutional,thepracticescontinueIwasangrybecauseIwasnotgivenasuicideblanket,it waswinterandlackofheatisusedtomodifybehavior.Iwaspeppersprayedwithoutpriormental healthconsultationandevaluation. StevenD,WesternNewMexicoCorrectionalFacility,GrantsNM(6/8/10)

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Collageby OjoreLutalo Mental Illness Page 30

 ThefollowingfourtestimoniesareregardingthesuicideofMatthewBullock,whosufferedfrom mentalillness,hadattemptedsuicidesixtimes,andhadbeensentencedtoserveinasecure mentalhealthfacility: OfficerB,C,McC,P,RandMencouragedprisonerMatthewBullocktokillhimself,calledhim childmolester,kickedonhisdoor,anddeprivehimofprotectionagainstsuicidaltendencies. SpecificallyIrecallon8/26/09and8/27/09OfficerMcCwasbraggingthatitwashim(McC)that madeBullockcommitsuicideandthathewouldliketoseeotherinmateskillthemselves.On 8/27/09correctionalofficerMcCstatedthatheisgoingtomakethebabyraper'[namewithheld]' killhimselftoo.ThedaysfollowinguptothedatethatprisonerMatthewBullockcommittedsuicide Mr.Bullockwascomplainingaboutbeingunabletobreatheinhotcellwiththebrightlightshiningin hisface24hoursaday.PrisonerBullockwasinacameracellandtoldtheofficersthathewouldkill himself.TheRHUofficersmovedinmateBullocktoacellwithoutcameraandprovidedhimthe meanstokillhimself.NoofficersmadeanyroundstocheckonBullockonthe210shift.Therefore Mr.Bullockbeingunderthepressureofsolitaryconfinementandbeingtreatedlessthanadog committedsuicide. CarringtonK,SCIDallasRestrictedHousingUnit(confinement),JacksonTwpPA(9/17/09)source: HumanRightsCoalitionFedUpChapterInstitutionalizedCrueltyp.14 ...They...toldMatthewBullockthattheydon'ttakehissuicidethreatsseriouslyandthatifhe wantedorneededahelpinghandtoassisthissuicidetask/threat...theofficershereatDallas definitelycausedthisinmatetokillhimselfbyagitatedhiminvariouswaysandbytotallyignoring hishealthproblems/conditions. IsaacS,SCIDallasRestrictedHousingUnit(confinement),JacksonTwpPA(8/24/09)source:Human RightsCoalitionFedUpChapterInstitutionalizedCrueltyp.15 AmannamedMatthewBullockdiedinKA48cellofDallasRHU.OfficerBworkedalongwith officerM.OfficerBwasaninstigator.Hewasmakingcommentsofhowwellallgetyourdayand werejustsavingtaxdollars,itsadepression.Wheninmatesscreamedmandyinggethimhelp. TheyloungedaroundmakingcommentsofobscenenaturetowhichIcantrepeatindetail.Noone knewhisfamilytotellthemtherealstoryandbeabletoofferthemaffidavitsandtestimonysothey cangetjustice.Surelytheyweregivenatrumpedupversionoftheirlovedonesdeath.MayGod Blesshissoul! LawyerL,SCIDallasRestrictedHousingUnit(confinement),JacksonTwpPA(undated)source: HumanRightsCoalitionFedUpChapterInstitutionalizedCrueltyp.16 SinceIgottothisprisonIvebeenintheRHUmoretimethanthegeneralpopulation.Ineed someonetohelpmebecauseIshouldhavebeenMattBullock,IhungmyselfNov.1508andall thesepeopledidwaslockmeinaroomnakedfor18daysandtake[away]everymedicationthat hadhelpedme.Iwouldnthavehungmyselfiftheywouldvelistenedtome.Iftheywouldnthave continuallymessedwithallmymedications. JohnP,SCIDallasRestrictedHousingUnit(confinement),JacksonTwpPA(11/5/09)source:Human RightsCoalitionFedUpChapterInstitutionalizedCrueltyp.17

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Aconsiderablenumberofprisonersfell,afterevenashortconfinement,intoasemifatuous condition,fromwhichitwasnexttoimpossibletoarousethem,andothersbecameviolentlyinsane; othersstill,committedsuicide VictorD,OklahomaStatePrison,McAlester,OK(9/28/09) IamremindedofmentallyillFrankHinNewJersey,whowasforcedintoanisolationunit.The guardstauntedandteasedthisman,madehimdanceashebeggedthemforcigarettes,wateror foodwhiletheylaughed.FrankHkilledhimself. AstoldbyBonnieKerness,explainingreportsreceived(11/09) InNewJerseyIvereceivedreportsoftheuseofsomethingcalledthechickensuit,wherethe mentallyillareforcedtowearclearplasticsuitsduringtheirstayintheSpecialNeedsunitina countyfacility.Inessencetheyspendtheirdaysnaked. AnonymouslytoldtoBonnieKerness(2009) thetrendtowarddeinstitutionalizationofthementallyillinthe1970swasitsownsocial movementdesignedtotakepeopleoutofthedreadfulconditionsinmentalasylumsandplace themincommunitytreatmentcenters.Themoneytorealizethesecondhalfofthevisionnever materialized,however,andmanyofthementallyillwereleftonthestreetsandsubsequently arrested.Asaresult,jailsandprisonshavebecometheprimarysitesformanypeopletoreceive mentalhealthservices Webelievethatweshouldstoptreatingmentalillnessascriminalbehavior,andusehealthcare responsesratherthanpoliceresponsestobehaviorthatresultsfrommentalillness.Ifthereisa returntogreateruseofmentalhospitals,theseshouldbeavailabletopatientsandtheirfamilies onavoluntarybasis.Insteadofcontinuinginvestmentinmoreprisonstohousementallyill personsinfacilitiesnotequippedtotreatthem,weshouldinvestmoreinsecurebuttreatment orientedhospitalsfortheviolentmentallyill,andincommunitymentalhealthservicestotreat nonviolentmentallyillpersonsasoutpatients. LauraMagnaniandHarmonL.Wray,BeyondPrisons:ANewInterfaithParadigmforOurFailed PrisonSystem.Page30,126;AmericanFriendsServiceCommittee,2006.

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Use of Force and Devices of Torture

International Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment

Article 4 1) Each State Party shall ensure that all acts of torture are offenses under its criminal law. The same shall apply to an attempt to commit torture and to an act by any person which constitutes complicity or participation in torture. Article 10 1) Each State party shall ensure that education and information regarding the prohibition against torture are fully included in the training of law enforcement personnel, civil or military, medical personnel, public officials and other persons who may be involved in the custody, interrogation or treatment of any individual subjected to any form of arrest, detention, or imprisonment. 2) Each State Party shall include this prohibition in the rules or instructions issued in regard to the duties and functions of any such person. Article 11 Each State Party shall keep under systematic review interrogation rules, instructions, methods and practices as well as arrangements for the custody and treatment of persons subjected to any form of arrest, detention or imprisonment in any territory under its jurisdiction, with a view to preventing any cases of torture. Article 13 Each State Party shall ensure that any individual who alleges he has been subjected to torture in any territory under its jurisdiction has the right to complain to, and to have his case promptly and impartially examined by, its competent authorities. Steps shall be taken to ensure that the complainant and witnesses are protected against ill-treatment or intimidation as a consequence of his complaint or any evidence given.

OnJune19,2004[correctionalofficer]SorderedthatIbeplacedinfourpointrestraintsafterIset thewatersprinkleroffinmycell...SforcedmetoremaininrestraintsuntilJune22,2004without evertalkingtoorobservingme.Whilealreadyrestrained,defendantSthenorderedthatIbe involuntarilyinjectedwithantipsychoticdrugs(unknowntomeatthetime)atthesuggestionof nonmedicalLTSU[longtermsegregationunit]staff.Prisonguardsphysicallyheldmedownwhilea femalenurseforciblypulleddownmyunderwearandinjectedmeinthebuttockswithaneedle. Torture in United States Prisons (2nd Ed.) Page 33

IwasinjectedwithHaldolatdefendantS'sdirection,withfullknowledgethatthisdrugisknown tocauserestlessnessandmusclespasmsinpatients.Duetomebeingrestrainedandunableto stretch,defendantdidthisastorture.Whileintheserestraints,Iurinatedanddefecatedonmyself severaltimesandwasmadetoliveinitforseveraldays...WhenIasked...Saavedrawhyhewas denyingmeplacementinatreatmentunitandsinglingmeout,hestatedthatIshouldn't'complain somuch'andthatI'm'nothingbutalabrat.' AndreJ,SCIFayette,LaBellePA(11/09) TheC.O.MichaelJholdtheblackmetalbox,theonethatgoeswiththehandcuffsandthechain aroundthewaist.HeholdwiththelefthandandpassedtherestofrestrictionstoOfficerM.Having donethat,theC.O.Jdidasifhewasleavingthecell,butsuddenlyheturnedaroundandbalancing allhisweight,heextendedhisrightfistandhitme.Rightbelowofthelefteyeinflamingmylefteye, knockingmedowninmybackinthebunk,andjumpedontopofmeandbeganstrikingmewith bothofhisfists,ontheface,neck,torsoarea,andinthechest.TheC.O.M.Jhitmeseveraltimes withtheblackmetalbox.Theblackmetalboxslippedoutofhislefthandbuthewasontopofme. Andcontinuebeatingmelikeabeast.TheC.O.MwasstandingatthedoorjustwatchingtheC.O. MichaelJbeatingme. SergioF,FloridaStatePrison,Raiford,FL(3/19/10)

ifsomeonedontknowwhatthey[correctionalofficers]thinkweshoulddothentheygasus, shootuswithbombs,shootuswithapaintgunthathasrubberballsinit.Thentookastripcellput inblackbox.Chainsandlegironsuntilwedecidetodoastheysayorthewardencomesandsaysto takeyouout,soyougottopraythatatourcomessoyoullbeoutbeforeallthat. JeffH,FederalCorrectionalComplex,OakdaleSMU,OakdaleLA(undated) Use of Force and Devices of Torture Page 34

SomeyearsbackIwasatagatheringwheresomeonebroughtablackboxattachedtohandcuffs andaskedmetowearitfor45minutes.Theboxwassoheavythatthepainwasimmediate.Iwas unabletothinkofanythingforthose45minutesexceptpain.Peoplehavedescribedwearingitfor hoursandinatleastoneprison,thepersonhastowearitduringhisentirewindowvisit. BonnieKernesspresentationtotheNationalReligiousCampaignagainstTorture(11/09) InJune2004Iwasbeatenandchainedtoametalbedwithnofoodandwaterfor3days ChrisG,SaguaroCorrectionalCenter,EloyAZ(4/29/10) NoTouchTorture UniversityofWisconsinprofessorAlfredMcCoy[authorofAQuestionofTorture,CIAInterrogation, fromtheColdWartotheWaronTerror]writes,interrogatorshadfoundthatmerephysicalpain, nomatterhowextreme,oftenproducedheightenedresistance. TheCIAspsychologicalparadigmfornotouchtorturefusedtwonewmethods,sensory disorientationandselfinflictedpain,whosecombination,intheory,wouldcausevictimstofeel responsiblefortheirownsufferingandthuscapitulatemorereadilytotheirtorturers.Refined throughyearsofpractice,sensorydisorientationreliesonamixofsensoryoverloadandsensory deprivationviabanalprocedures,isolationthenintenseinterrogation,heatandcold,lightanddark, noiseandsilence,forasystematicattackonallhumanstimuli.Thefusionofthesetwotechniques, sensorydisorientationandselfinflictedpain,createsasynergyofphysicalandpsychologicaltrauma whosesumisahammerblowtotheexistentialplatformsofpersonalidentity.(McCoyoutline,45) In2004,theRedCrossreported:Theconstructionofsuchasystem....cannotbeconsideredother thananintentionalsystemofcruel,unusualanddegradingtreatmentandaformoftorture. (McCoyoutline,9) FromInContraventionofConventionalWisdombyCherylWelsh,January2008 TheauthoritieshereatLewisberg,beingcarriedoutbystaffinregardstoecessive(sic)useofforce andthedischargeofchemicalagents(gas)isandhasbeenanongoingproblemsinceIarrivedin 6/2010.IhavetobeverycautiouswhatIwriteinthisletterbecausethemailisoftentamperedor soIhavewitnessed.Thisisachemicalagentgohappy(gas)prison.Whensomeoneisgassed,weall havetoendureit.Whenpeoplefight,staffdoesaverypoorjoboftryingtopreventit.Theywould ratheryoufightsotheycangasyouorshootyouwithsprayballpepperballgunorgrenadeyouand burstyoureardrums.Twoweeksaagomyselfandmycellmatetriedtoavoidgettinginafightby tellingstffthatwearentgettingalongbeforewegotintoafight.Theunitmanagertoldthatthathe willnotmoveeitherofus. P.D.,LewisbergPenitentiary,November15,2010

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 CNNBlogAugust24,2010 OfficialsataLosAngelesCountyjailplantotestoutaninvisibleheadbeamweaponoriginally developedbythemilitaryasawaytosubduebrawlinginmatesbymakingthemfeelintolerable heat. Thetechnology,calledanAssaultInterventionDevice,isanonlethalweapondevelopedby RaytheonCompany.Itoriginallywasscaleddownforuseatthejail. Thedeviceemitsafocusedbeamofwaveenergythattravelsatthespeedoflightandproducesan intolerableheatingsensationthatcausestargetedindividualstoflee. Deputieshavetestedthedevice,whichiscontrolledbyajailofficerusingajoystick. Webelievethattechnologycanhelpsolveproblemsfacingthecorrectionscommunity,including addressingissuesofinmateviolence,SheriffLeeBacasaidduringanewsconference.Thedevice willallowustoquicklyintervenewithouthavingtoentertheareaandwithoutincapacitatingor injuringeithercombatant. Officialssaytheyhopethedevicecanhelpquellinmateassaultsandreduceprisonviolence.Its usewillbemonitoredbytheU.S.DepartmentofJusticesNationalInstituteofJusticeand PennsylvaniaStateUniversity. Fromhttp://news.blogs.cnn.com/2010/08/24/lajailtestsintolerableheatbeamonbrawling inmates/ ImwritingonbehalfofthevictimFbecausehedoesntknowhowtoreadorwriteFrequested forhiscelltobesanitized,Sgt.DreplywasthatithadalreadybeendonewhichisaliebecauseIwas standingatmydoorandtheyhadjustmovedanotheroffenderout.Theyrefusedtocleanthecell out,allinmateFdidwaskneeldownonhisknees,andlaiddownontheground.Thishappenedright underneathoneofthecamerasonthiswing.Sgt.DandOfficerRgottothegroundoneoneach side,andfornoreasonwhatsoeverSgtDstrikedtherightsideofinmateFsfacefivetimeswitha closedfist,whenFisherturnedhisfacetotheothersideofficerRalsostrikedhimwithaclosedfist fivetimes,heturnedhisfacetoSgt.Dstrikedhimfivetimes,thenofficerRpickedFsheadoffthe groundandsmasheditintothegroundfacefirstthreetimesafterthatother(illegible)arrivedand toldSgt.Dtostepaway. InmateFhadhishandcuffedbehindhisback,neveratanytimedidhespit,kick,orbecomeverbally orphysicallyaggressiveatanytime.Thereisnowayhecouldhavehurtanybodywhilebeing handcuffedandalsoescortedbytwoofficers.Hewastakentothehospital.IusuallytellmyselfI dontstickmynoseinanythingthatdoesntconcernmebutdamnwhatIseendonetothis innocentindividualwasfuckeduptothepointwhereIwroteasteponegrievanceandwhichI immediatelyreceivedaresponsebacksayingmystatementwouldbeincludedintheuseof forceandthefollowingdaytheybroughtbackinmateFback.Hehadabrokennose,bruisesand knotsonbothsidesofhisface,andthedoctorfromthehospitaladvisedhimhehadoneortwo brokenbonesandfracturesinhisface.Theyweresupposedtodoafollowupbuttheguardshere refusetotakehimtomedicalretaliatingagainsthimfornoapparentreason.

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Otherthingsmultipleofficersdoisrefusetofeedinmatesiftheyfindoutacertaininmatefileda complaintsteponegrievanceagainstthem,theythrowoutoutgoingmail,orwhichisreallyfucked upgiveaoffenderanotherpersonsmailonpurpose,peoplewhocantspeakEnglisharemostly victimsofthisbullshitdenythemmedicalorjackingthemfortheirfood...Thepeopleherewithrank areoutofcontrolmypointisyeahwereinprisonforbreakingthelaw,butwerestillhuman beingsanddeservetoberespectedasoneespeciallyifwedontdoanythingwrong. RubenZ.,EstelleHighSecurityUnit,HuntsvilleTX(3/17/10) itsnotjusttheconditionsoftheprisonorlackofprogramsandpropermedicalattention.Its alsothewaywearetreatedbytheguardsandstaff.Wehavetowalkthroughagantletofguards whoarewearinghelmetsandswingingandbangingtheirnightsticksinathreateningmanneraswe gotoandfromchow,oranymovement.Theytalktouslikeweweredogs,cursingatus,threatening us,itsinsane!Prisonersarebeingbeaten!Whentheypullyouoverforapatdown,theymanhandle you,slappingyoursides,grabbingyourlegandgivingitaquickyank,andwhatnotdoingtheirbest togetustosaysomething. RalphK.,NewJerseyStatePrison,TrentonNJ(9/11/08) HavingheardthatguardsatSVOPinSussexCountysprayandbeatinmatesforsport,Iarranged tobesenttothesanctionpodatSVOPinGeorgetownOnMay9,Isawtwoguardsapproachan inmatefrombehind,ashewaswalkingawayfromthem,sprayhimwithpepperspray,hithim,and slamhimintothesteeldoor.Thisattackwasunprovokedandunjustified,andalltootypical!...On May11,aCpl.MandaLt.CattackedmeWhileIwashandcuffed,silent,andseatedinachair,they sprayedmewithpepperspray,pickedmeupsnatchedmeoutofthechairthrewmetothe asphalt,kickedmeintheheadanddeliberatelyinjuredmyarmtheythenthreatenedtorepeatthis behavioreveryhour. KennethA.,VictorB1DCC,SmyrnaDE(11/7/07) IwasthrownfromthewheelchairorratheritwassnatchedoutfromundermeIwastackledto thegroundandheldfacedowncompletelyhelpless.Ididnotresistinanyway;thisallhappenedso veryfastanotherCOwhowaspressingmyfaceinthegroundtookmebymyhairandslammedme facedowninthegroundseveraltimesveryhardtillmymouthwasfilledwithdirtandbleedingand myfacewaskickedveryhardbyaCOD. FredW,RedOnionStatePrison,PoundVA(11/3/07) OnJanuary29and31,2010,andFebruary1,2010,atElyStatePrison,sixteeninmateswere involvedincellextractionsoveranonemergencysituationwherestaffonlywishedtoassert authority.Tenweresubjectedtobrutalphysicalabuseatthehandsofstaffwherenomediationwas usedtoachieveapeacefulresolution.Threeoftheseinmateswenttotheinfirmaryformedical treatmentwhileothersweredeniedtreatmentTheincidentsofJanuary31,2010,werepredicated bystaffsmearingthebloodyfaceofaninmateacrossawindowasashowforinmatestowitness andwasfurtherexacerbatedbythesamestaffmembersaying,youllbleedlikebitchesifthe inmatescontinuedtobedisruptive. JohnN,NevadaStatePrison,ElyNV(5/10/10) In2007becauseofmyoutspokenactivismagainsttorture,Iwasassaulted,batteredandplacedin outsidehospitalformultipleinjuries,includingbrokenleftanklebone.Uponmyreturntosame prison,Iwastorturedwithahostofviolationsthatwentonformonths.Ihadtorebreakandreset myownanklebonethathadbeendislocatedduetobeingforcedtowalkwithoutacane,walker,or

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crutches.Iwasdeniedshowers,hotwater,placedinacellwhereanexhaustfaninoverheated pipesandextremecoldIwas,andnow,deniedmedicalcareforoutstandingmedicalproblems ReginaldM,AuburnCorrectionalFacility,AuburnNY(5/15/10) Foratleastthenext67daysIwasliterallychainedtothemetalbedframeinthemiddleofthe cell,bya34footsectionofheavytowchainwithdefectiveshackles(noworkingsafetylocks) tetheringmetherefor24hoursaday.Iwasgivenperhapsatbestsixshowersduringthisperiodof timeandonlythreeopportunitiestochangemyclothingtheroomtemperaturestayedatnear freezing,andtherewerelargefluorescentlightsdirectlyoverthebedIwastetheredto,thatnever turnedoff.WhenIcomplainedtotheSheriffsdeputies,Iwastoldtherewasnoon/offswitchfor thelightsinmycellandtherewerelikewisenotemperaturecontrolsaccessible. MichaelD,NewJerseyStatePrison,TrentonNJ(5/11/10) OnSept.51996IwascalloutforalegalpassinsidetheL.A.countyjail9:00A.M.Iwastowardthe controlbooth,severaldeputiessittingonthebench.Onedeputytoldmetotuckmyshirtin,I comply.Hetoldmetoputmyhandsinsidemypantspocket.SoIexitthedoor,tothelegalunit. DeputyS,stopme,toldmetofacethewall.Hesearchme,toldme,IwasgoingtotheHole.Iask him,forwhatreasonIwasgoingtothehole.Hesaidinsubordination.Itoldhim(S)Ididnotdo anything,duringhisescortbythecontrolbooth.Iwasupset,toldhimfuckyou.Hereleasehisnon handcuffbehindmyback.Stoodinfrontofmeinaggressivestand.Ihollerforhelp,callthe sergeant!Thishelpwasdirectedtocontrolboothofficer.He[S]jumponmefaceforward,cuffhis legstosweepme.Bothlandedtofloor,Iampartiallystanding,whileheisonthefloor,chokingme out.Theothersdeputiessittingonthebenchlooking,notstoppinghim,untilIgotoutfromhis chokeholdtheotherdeputiesfromthebench,toldmetoputmyhandsbehindmyheadandget ontheground.Iwaskickinthehead,ribs,ruptureeardrum. AlM,SoledadCA(5/24/10) IwasphysicallyassaultedandinjuredwhileIwashandcuffed.Asaresultofthisabuse,Ireceived injuriestomylumbarspine,neck,head,shoulders,andhand.Ihaventbeenabletowalkbecauseof thisassaultandinjuries.Asaresultofthisincident,Ialsosufferedmanyotheractsofretaliation.I wasstarvedanddeniedfoodandwateralot,sometimesaslongas56straightdaysOtheractsof retaliationandabuseinclude:beingshockedwithanelectricbodyimmobilizerdevice;beingforced intoarestraintchairandwasneglectedandlefttoliveonthefloor,andinveryfilthyand unsanitaryconditionsforapproximatelyninemonths;duringthistimeIwastorturedwithabright florescentlightthatstayedonfortwentyfourhoursaday. SamR,GraterfordCorrectionalFacility,GraterfordPA(6/4/10) Whileinalockedroomstrappedtoametalbedfacedownnaked,anofficercameinandshoved hisflashlightupmyrectumrippingopenmyanusbecauseIwasyellingforwatertodrinkandit interruptedhimwatchingafootballgameonTV.TheBOPhas,for20years,refusedtomake correctivesurgery.Iwasstrippedandhandcuffedtoachainlinkfenceinafreezingsnowicestorm forsevenhoursbecauseIwastenminuteslatetoanappointmentIwassprayedwithchemicals andachemicalfireextinguisherforhavingaChristiancrossonthewallofmycell.Iwashandcuffed toawallandsprayedwithahighpressurefirehose...Iwasforcedtostandonafootstoolwhile threeofficershandcuffedmyhandsabovemyheadtoachainlinkfenceandthenthestoolwas removedtoleavemedanglingintheairforfourhoursIwasforcedtostandinatelephonesized roomfor27hourswithoutfood,water,ortoiletbreaksIwassubjecttomaceandpeppersprayI wastoiletbowledtwicetoiletbowlingislikewaterboarding.Threeofficershandcuffyourhands Use of Force and Devices of Torture Page 38

behindyou,knockyoutotheflooronyourknees,putyourheadinsideatoiletbowlsothatyour faceissubmerged.Officersholdyoudownwhileanotherflushesthetoilet FivetimesIsufferedahookupforarbitraryspitefulreasons.ThehandsarehandcuffedandIam liftedupandthechainofthehandcuffsaredrapedoveratalldoorsoIamdanglingwithmyfeet offthefloor.Ittakeslessthanfiveminutestobeagonizing.Theyleaveyouhookedupuntil unconsciousness,thenletyoudroptothefloorbyrakingyouoffthedoor[officers]lockedmein solitaryconfinementfor10dayshandcuffedandshackledtoametalbed.Duringthattimethey wouldextinguishtheircigarettebuttsonmybodyandfliphotashesinmyfaceandeyesandplace mealtraysjustoutofreach.OnceIyelledforwatertodrink.Theofficerrammedthenozzleofa chemicalfireextinguisherintomyrectumandfloodedmyinsideswithliquidandchemicalsthat causedmetoscreamwithagony.Anotherofficertoldmetoshutuporhewouldkillmeandused hisboottokickmeinthehead OncewhenIwasstrappedspreadeagletoabaremetalbedanofficerputanelectricstick(likea cattleprobe)tomyscrotumandzappedmeandbecausethepaincausedmetolosecontrolofmy bowelshestompedonmeandcursedmeformakingamessandIhadtolayinit(andurine)for4 daysMyfriendBarrybeggedandpleadedtohavethelightsturnedoutinhisroom.Officers sadisticallylaughedatthesufferingtheycaused.Barrytoreouthisowneyessohecouldgetsome sleep.Theyalllaughedathimandabusedhimgreater.Laterhekilledhimself. CoyP,FMCDevens,AyerMD(6/10) Fiveverybigcowboyscorrectionalofficerstookmetoaspecialcontrolunit,placedmein restraintsandtorturedmeforovertwohourstopunishmeforgrievancesand/orlegalactionon theirfriendsandcoworkerstheyscrewedtheirknucklesintomytemples,bentmywrist backwardsuntilthecartilagepoppedandcracked,pulledmyneckbackasfarastheycouldwithout breakinganything,mademeyell,scream,beg,cry,defecate/urinateduetotheexcruciatingpain, forovertwohours.JoseE,ColoradoStatePenitentiary,CanonCityCO(5/30/10) atransportteamarrivedtotransportmetoWesternStateHospital.Ihavebeenongood behaviorandwassurprisedtoseethesergeantstraponmylegthe50,000voltelectricaldevice commonlycalledthebanditandthenwrapovertheVelcroantennawithseverallayersofblack ducttape.Iwaschainedhandandfoot,withwaist,wristandanklerestraintsWesteppedoutside toleave,andasmycalfcompressedtostepuptothetransportcageinthevan,the50,000volt deviceactivatedfor13to18secondstheysay,butitseemedlikeforever.Iscreamedinpain.Itfelt likeforkswerestabbedandtwistedintothenervesinmycalf ItoldtheC/OsandsergeantIhadbeenshocked,buttheydeniedit,andrefusedtoinspectthe deviceormyleg,orremoveit.Theystated:Wewouldhaveheardbeepingifitreallywentoff.asI reachedintomyboxoflegalwork,mycalfcompressedandagainIwasshockedwith50,000volts onsensitive,preshockedskininexactlythesamespotasbeforeduetothetightVelcroandduct tape.Iagainscreamedandscreamedandscreamed,asmybackarched.Iwasstillchainedhandand foot,butwithnoC/Osholdingme,Iflewbackandsmashedmyheadandupperbackintothe cementfloorAsIrolledovertocrawlforhelp,SgtT,witnessedbyC/OJoseP,startedtopeeloff theducttape.Itwentoffagain,andagainIscreamed,andfinallySgtTjumpedonmylegandtore loosetheducttapeandlettheantennaloose,releasedtheVelcroandremovedthedevicefrommy calfwhentheypulledittooneside,itsetoffthe50,000volts,asitwasatamperingsecuritydevice whichtheyhadnegligentlyducttapedtomycalf Torture in United States Prisons (2nd Ed.) Page 39

Iamatalossashowtotrulyconveytheprisonexperiencetoanotherhumanbeingwhatwords canpaintthefeelingofaheavymetalbatonstrikingyouacrossthebackandheadwhile handcuffed?Howdoesoneproperlyexpresswhatthetasteandfeelofpeppersprayislikeasit burnsyourskinandstealsyourbreathaway?Howcanoneaccuratelyportrayhavinghotwaterfrom ahosepouredonyourbodytowashthatorangesprayoff,asyoustandnakedandshockedgasping forair?Andjustasyouthinkyouareattheendofyourropewithhowmuchpainyoucanendure, youareleftinanopenyard,underthesunforhourstocook,beforebeingplacedbackintothe cellyouwerenotsolongagoforciblyremovedfrom.Thereyouare,stillnaked,withnothingto wearandkeepyoucompanybutthelingeringaromaofpepperspraycoatingyourentirecell. RobertF,PelicanBayStatePrison,CrescentCityCA(6/5/10) IwasbeingescortedfromreceivingandreleasetotheadministrativesegregationunitofHigh DesertStatePrison.AcoupleofCorrectionalOfficerswalkeduptooursinglemancageswith instructionsthatwereexplainedveryquickly.DuetothelongdayinthecageIsaidIunderstood,so wecouldgoonwiththeescorttoourcellsIturnedaroundintoahandcuffposition,asIwas waitingtobehandcuffedheplacedonecuffaroundmyrightwristthensaid,letmeshowyou something.Stayinginahandcuffedpositioninasinglemancage,Iturnedmyheadslightlytothe righttoseehimdroptheothercuff.Thenwithmyrightwristandarmhetwistedtogetmeintoa submissionposition.Itwasverypainfulashepulledmyrightarmcompletelyoutofthehandcuff hole,automaticallycausedmyleftarmtopullbackintothecage!Asheyelled,putyourhandback outofthecage,putyourhandbackoutofthecage!Iwasunabletowithoutinflictingpainon myself,butIdid.Thenpulledmeoutofthecagehandcuffed,withafewmorewordssaidbutno resistiveactatall,theyendeduptakingmetothegroundinahogtiepositionashestartedto punchmewithaclosedfistaroundmylefteyeaboutseventimeshethenkneedmetwiceinmy eyebreakingtheorbitboneofmylefteye.AllthewhileIwashandcuffed. CurtisH,TallahatchieCountyCorrectionalFacility,TutwilerMS(6/2/10)

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forapproximately45minutesguardsthrewstungrenades.Alongwiththestungrenades,thrown inbyhand,staffplacedthebarrelsofgrenadelaunchersthroughthewindowsandshotcanistersof teargasintotheunit.Irememberseeingoneprisonergetshotinthefacewithacanisterofgas. Thestaffusedanexplosivedevicetoopenthedoorsandenteredtheunitingasmasksandincrews ofthree,beatandhandcuffedeveryprisoner.Afterenduringallofthis,Iwasthenhitintheface withabatonthattheycallaniggerbeater.

As told to Bonnie Kerness by a recently released prisoner describing his experience in a Federal Prison (February 2010)

apieceofboard3feetwideandsixfeetlongthatiscoveredwithtowels.Theprisonerisstripped andshackledspreadeagletotheboard.Theboardistheninclinedfromthewall.3timesadaythe guardcomesinwithcoldchowandabedpan.Ifyouhavetousethebathroom,youdoitinthe bedpan.Youarenotunshackled.Theyguardholdsthebedpanunderyou! Anonymousprisonersdescriptionofrestraintbed Iwasrepeatedlyavictimofthestunbelt,waistandlegchains.Theysecuredtwoadditionalchains aroundmeplacedonmyneckandwrappedtwicewiththelooseendssecuredtomywaistchainsby smallpaddocks,Iwasthenmadetokneeldownandasecondchainwasloopedaroundmyankle chainsandsecured.Allofthiswasdoneduringcourtdatesinholdingareas.Ihadntbeenconvicted ofanything.WhentheyfirstbeganusingthesetasersinUSprisons,thepeopleinprisonwerequick towarnusthatoftenwhatbeginsinprisonsfindsitswaytobeingusedoutsideofprisons. Anonymous IwritetoyouinSpanishbecauseIdontwantthepeopleheretoreadthisletterandhitmeor throwchemicalsthatburnatmeSinceIarrivedtheguardshavethrownchemicalsat8 inmates...Whentheinmatestartedtorespondtohisinsultstheygrabbedhimandthrewchemicals athimTheinmatethatliveswithmeonthiscelltheywokehimupat3amtheyhandcuffedhis handsandanklesandtheyhithim.Theybroke4ofhisribsandtheyareholdinghismailbecausehe hasntreceivedany.Whentheinmatesstarttotalkbythedoorthepeoplewhoworkhereshut downtheventilation,sometimesfortwooruptothreehours.Therearenowindowsheresoitgets reallyhardtobreathe.Theworkersherefeeluntouchablebecausetheyareabiggroupandthey cantakecareofeachother.ThemajorityoftheabusersarewhiteTodayIsawaninmatethat seemedtobesittingonthefloor(thereismoreaironthefloor)oneoftheguardswhoworkshere toldhimtogobacktohisbedorhewouldthrowgasathim.Heleftandcamebackwithasergeant andstartedtoinsultandthreatenhim.PleaseIaskyounottousemyname. Anonymous,TaylorCorrectionalInstitute,PerryFL(6/28/10) Howdoyoudescribedesperationtosomeonewhoisnotdesperate?beganalettertomewhich wentontodepicteveryoneintheControlUnitbeingawakenedbyguardsdressedinriotgear holdingbarking,salivatingdogsat1ameveryothermorning.Onceawakened,theprisonerswere forcedtostrip,gathertheirbelongingswhilefeelingthedogsstrainingattheirleashessnappingat theirprivatepartsastheyaretrainedtodo.Hedescribedbeingterrorized,intimidated,andthe humiliationofbeingnakedandnotknowingwhetherthemaskedguardsweremaleorfemale. Thesewentonformonths,untilactivistsinsideandoutwereabletostopthissenselesstorture.If wethinkbacktoslaveryandtoimagesofthecivilrightsmovementweunderstandthatdogshave beenusedasadeviceoftortureforhundredsofyearsintheU.S. BonnieKerness.SocialMovementsandtheEvolutionoftheModernNationState.Speech,U.S. SocialForum6/25/10 Torture in United States Prisons (2nd Ed.) Page 41

Contraband Surveillance Watch

Notice of Change to California Department of Operations Manual (NCDOM) 2008, Chapter 5, Article 19: Arrest, Search and NCDOM #08-14 52050.23 Contraband Surveillance Watch the inmate may be placed in a medically approved controlled isolated setting on Contraband Surveillance Watch (CSW) under constant visual supervision observation until the contraband can be retrieved through natural means, or is voluntarily surrendered by the inmate The inmate shall be placed in one pair of boxer shorts, one T-shirt, and one pair of socks, or an approved jumpsuit with or without a T- shirt or boxer shorts. As an added method of security, inmates maybe placed in two pairs of boxer shorts with the openings placed/worn in the opposite direction of each other. The legs and waist of the boxer shorts and/or the arms and legs of the jumpsuit will be taped closed to restrict the inmates access to their body cavities. The inmate shall remain under constant visual observation at all times while on CSW. 52050.23.4 Mechanical Restraints The inmate shall be placed in waist restraints with handcuffs attached and leg restraints during the duration of the time period that they are placed on CSW. Four point restraints may be authorized when an inmate is disruptive or combative in accordance with CCR Section 3268.2 (c), and when approved by HCM or their designee. The use of four-point restraint equipment shall be documented in the inmates Uniform Health Record (UHR) in accordance with CCR Section 3268.2 (d) 52050.23.7 Voluntary Bowel Movement When the inmate requests to have a bowel movement, the custodial staff assigned to CSW shall: Provide the inmate with a portable toilet, or use of the previously lined toilet in the isolated setting. Release one of the inmates restrained hands to facilitate his bodily functions. Once the inmate has completed the bowel movement, the portable toilet or toilet liner shall be immediately retrieved or removed and the inmate will be re-secured in the restraint equipment. 52050.23.8 Removal from Contraband Surveillance Watch The inmate may be removed from CSW when it is reasonably believed that the contraband has been relinquished or it is determined that the inmate is contraband free. Normally, inmates will be retained on CSW for a period of not less than 72 hours, or the inmate may be required to complete at least three bowel movements free of contraband prior to being removed from CSW.

WereceivedaboutadozentestimoniesdescribingContrabandSurveillanceWatch,expressing prisonersunfamiliaritywithsuchconductallfromCalifornia.Anumberofthemarebelow: Wewereplacedintotwoseparatecells.InordertogetoffContrabandSurveillanceWatchwehad togivethem3cleanbowelmovementsinaplasticbagasCorrectionsOfficerswatched,we eventuallywereremovedfromContrabandSurveillanceWatch3dayslaterbecauseitwas determinedthatwehadnothingsecretonourperson.Itsbadenoughwewentthroughtortureand discomfortforthreedaysbuttogothroughthatbecauseofliesisreallydisturbing.Thewhole ContrabandSurveillanceWatchprocedureconsistedofusbeingshackledatourankles,awaist chainaroundourwaists,atourhipswewerehandcuffedtothewaistchain. Alsotheyconnectedahardplasticmittentoeachhandcuffandmadeusinsertourhandsinthese plasticmittensinwhichtheysecurelyclose.Ontopofthattheytapedadiapertoourbodies,which Contraband Surveillance Watch Page 42

washumiliating;overthediapertheytapedajumpsuittoourbodiesaswell.Theytightlyputtape aroundourankles,thighs,waistandarms.Sometimesthetapewouldbesotightitsemicutoff bloodflowtomyarmsorlegs.Itwastrulythreedaysoftortureanddiscomfort.Wehavenever experiencedthatkindofsituationinourlives.Canyouimaginebeingshackledandtapedupfrom uppertolowerbodyforthreedays? JoseH,HighDesertStatePrison,SusanvilleCA(5/10/10) Priortobeingplacedinoneofthesecells,apersonisnotonlymadetowearnothingmorethan onepairofsocks,onethinstatetshirtandtwopairsofboxershortswhicharethentightlytapeup orwoundnumeroustimesaroundeachlegandwaistareasofeachpairofshortsbuttheymake sureeveniftheyrenotsupposedtothatthisverysticky,adhesivetapeconnectsorisalso woundaroundtheskinofbothyourlegsandwaistareas.Theythenplaceyouinlegirons,waist chainswithadditionallocksusedtoshortenthechainsonthecuffssoyourhandsareagainstyour waisttowhereanytypeofmovementisverystrenuousandlimited WheneverIambeingconfinedinoneofthese[CSW]cells,needstousetherestroombeitto urinateorabowelmovement,whichthreearemandatedbeforeeverbeingreleasedfromthis torturechamber.Thisverystickytapethattugsatyourskinwheneveryoumoveandhasbeen wrappednumeroustimesaroundtheskinofyourlegsandwaistareas,aresadisticallyand maliciouslyunwoundandthenonceyouvefinishedhandlingyourbusiness,isthenrewrappedas Ivepreviouslystatedtowhereafterthreeorfouroftheseexcruciatinglypainfulsessions,yourskin becomesrawwithdeepredweltswherethistapehasbeenappliedoverandover. DukeB,PelicanBayStatePrison,CrescentCityCA(5/18/10) Iwasplacedina4x8emptyholdingcell.Thisiswherethetorturebegan.Theguardsplaced chainsonmylegs,chainsandcuffsonmywaist.Thentheyputvelcro/nylontubeglovesonmy hands,followedbymy[illegible],thentheyputheavyandhardplasticPVCpipesonmyarms.What wasgoingon?Iasked.ThesergeanttoldmeIwouldbelikethisuntilIgavethreeclean(freeof contraband)bowelmovements.Thatsnotalltheybeganwrappingducttapeonmyankles.Then tapeabovemykneecaps,followedbytapeonmythighs,andfinallyducttapeonandaroundmy waist.AndsoforfourdaysandthreenightsIcontinuouslyremainedintape,chains,torturetubes, andshackles Theyddraginathin,old,used,anddirtyunclothedplasticmattress.ThatsallIhad.ButIcouldnt sleep,becauseIcouldntmovemybodylimbsinanysleeppositionsduetomycirculationbeingcut off.IhadbreathingproblemssoIcouldntsleeponmyback.Icouldntcurluptostaywarm, becausethechains,tape,andtubescutoffmycirculation.SoIfroze,shivering,angry,frustrated, deliriousIwentwithoutblankets,sheets,apillow,toothbrush,toothpaste,ashower.Istankof bodystench.Itoldthemofmynumbness,Icantsleep.IwasfreezingwhenIhadtousethe restroom,theydhavemedefecateinabucketwiththreeguardssurroundingme.WhenIhadto eat,itwaswithmydirtyhands.EventhoughIgavethemfivebowelmovementstheysaidtwowere notbigenough. DanT,PelicanBayStatePrison,CrescentCityCA(6/2/10) DearMsKernessandthepeopleworkingfortheStopMaxCampaign,Iamwritingyoutosendyou thislinktoashockingarticlethatwasreceivedbyme,itwaswrittenbyBrandonGwhois incarceratedinUtahStatePrison,UintaOneunit(supermax).Hewitnesseshumanrightsabusesand sendshistestimoniesouttoafewfriends.IplaceitonhisblogthatIrecentlyopenedforhim.His Torture in United States Prisons (2nd Ed.) Page 43

testimonyhasbeenforwardedtoAFSCinUtahandIbelievealsototheDOJ,butthatwaslastyear. Uptonow,thesehumanrightsabuseskeeponhappeningdayindayout.Whatcanwedoaboutit? Thankyouforyourconsiderationandtime,Sincerely,AnnabelleParker(TheNetherlands) Lettheavenuetothishouseberendereddifficultandgloomybymountainsandmorasses.Let thedoorsbeofiron,andletthegrating,occasionedbyopeningandshuttingthem,beincreased byanechothatshalldeeplypiercethesoul. Dr.BenjaminRush,Quakerreformer,1787,describingEasternStatePenitentiary In2000,theU.N.CommitteeAgainstTorturenotedegregiousviolationsofinternationallawgoing oninU.S.prisons,includingtheuseofelectricstunbeltsandrestraintchairs,prisonchaingangs, sexualassaultofwomenanddetentionofminors.ThoseviolationscontinueeverydayinU.S. prisonsandspeakofanattitudeofdemonizationofothersWeareseeingnowwiththe treatmentofIraqiprisonersthatitisacrisisextendingbeyondprisonsintowiderU.S.society. BonnieKerness,AmericasabuseofprisonersdidntbegininIraq.Newark,NJStarLedger5/18/2004

EasternStatePenitentiary,1800s

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CurrentFederalInstitutionADX,Florence,CO Torture in United States Prisons (2nd Ed.) Page 45

Racism
International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination

Article 2 States Parties condemn racial discrimination and undertake to pursue by all appropriate means and without delay a policy of eliminating racial discrimination in all its forms and promoting understanding among races, and, to this end: a. Each State Party undertakes to engage in no act or practice of racial discrimination against persons, groups of persons or institutions and to ensure that all public authorities and public institutions, national and local, shall act in conformity with this obligation Article 4 States Parties condemn all propaganda and all organizations which are based on ideas or theories of superiority of one race or group of persons of one color or ethnic origin, or which attempt to justify or promote racial hatred and discrimination in any form, and undertake to adopt immediate and positive measures designed to eradicate all incitement to, or acts of, such discrimination and, to this end, with due regard to the principles embodied in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the rights expressly set forth in article 5 of this Convention, inter alia: c. Shall not permit public authorities or public institutions, national or local, to promote or incite racial discrimination Article 5 In compliance with the fundamental obligations laid down in article 2 of this Convention, States Parties undertake to prohibit and to eliminate racial discrimination in all its forms and to guarantee the right of everyone, without distinction as to race, colour, or national or ethnic origin, to equality before the law, notably in the enjoyment of the following rights: a. The right to equal treatment before the tribunals and all other organs administering justice; b. The right to security of person and protection by the State against violence or bodily harm, whether inflicted by government officials or by any individual group or institution

Hehadmeonthewall.Hewassearchingme.Thenhetookhishandandwasfeelingmygenitals, like,fondlingitandgropingitIlookedtowardmyleft,anditwasOfficerC,Ilookedatwhatishe Racism Page 46

doing?ThisisR,hejustgrabbedme,threwmetothegroundand,callthecode,callthecode,callit in.Heputhandcuffsonme.Hewas,youknow,punchingme,youknow,hittingme,hittingmewith theflashlight.OfficerDandtheotherguy,MR,theycameallthreeofthemstartedbeatingand kickingme,beatingme,stompingme.IwaslyingonthegroundhandcuffedImlyingtherewhile theywereallhittingme.ThisK,outofmylefteye,Iwastryingtolookathisnametag,tryingtosee hisname.HewaspunchingmeinthejawHecameover,liftedmyheadup,calledmeaspic,and thatwasithesaid,Igotyounow.Hehitmeinthehead.Igotyouspic. MichaelM(6/10/08) On11/7/09,Sgt.KandJDdeliveredmemyreligiouskosherbagatdinnertime.Uponpullingthe brownbaginmycell,Iimmediatelynoticedsomethingmovinginit.Islammedthebagdownand outranamousewhichIwasabletokill,itsbloodonmyfloor,myfood,jelly,andmylegalwork. WhenSgt.Kcametomycelltocollecttrashhekeptmakinga'squeaksqueak'noisealltheway downthetierandwhenhereachedmycell,hestated'themousewasfromSgt.Rwasitgood?'...I notethatmykosherbaghasbeensmashed,contaminatedwithdisinfectandtrash,fecesandnowa mouse,whichIamsendingtoHRCasproofofmyclaim... AndreJ,p19HRCFedUP,SCIFayette,LaBellePA(12/7/09) [witnessingassaultonAndreJ]...officersM,W,C,W,andWmakingracialremarkswhile repeatedlystrikingprisonerJwithloudstrikesofblowsrepeatedly...'Wetoldyouweweregoingto getyourblackassnigger...toldyouwewouldgetyourniggerass.' CarringtonK,p20HRCFedUP,SCIDallas,JacksonTwpPA(9/17/09) Severalinmatesdescribedanincidentwhenstaffletoneinmateonthefloorwithrectalbleeding andrefusedtotakehimtogetmedicalattention,accordingtothestateresearchersreport.When guardsarrived,theysaidItsthefuckingniggeragain,lethimdie.Andtheylefthimthere. Probeuncoversstripsearches,chainsandracismatprisons,SacramentoBee,5/9/10 Perhapsoneexplanationforthisdeplorablecondition(re:officeroversightofprisonerbehavior andviolence)isbestexemplifiedbytheinfantile,laissezfaireattitudeofofficerR:Lettheniggers killeachother. NormP,WesternCorrectionalInstitution.,CumberlandMD Theytookallmyclothing,bedding,hygine(sic)andleftmeinacellwithzeroclothingandzero propertynakedtosleeponconcretefortwoweeks;andthefeedmesegregationlofe(sic)/food grounduplikedogfood.Itriedtokillmyself,buttheydidntstopthistreatmenttheyarestill strippingmainlyAfricanAmericanprisonersoftheirclothing,bedding,mattressesandjustplacing theminstrippedcellnakedtosleeponconcretefor3daystheotherdayayoungblackmale flashedawhitefemaleguardandhewasstrippedofallclothing,beatup. NateG,ColumbiaCorrectionalInstitution,Portage,Wisconsin5/22/10 Mr.F,anIraqiRefugeewholostfamilyinIraq.Heis26yearsoldandhas20yearslefttoservein prison.Heisaborncomedian;MuslimSgt.FyellstoMr.F.,Iraqirejectqueer,noselfrespect pussy,comeon!Illcelebrateyourdeath BrandonG,UtahStatePrison,UintaOneFacility,(11/12/0811/19/09) AsergeantcaughtmyfingersinthetrayslotafterIfiledagrievanceonhimforusingracial slurs,andpushedonituntilheheardthebonesbreakandmeyelling,theninaloudvoiceItried Torture in United States Prisons (2nd Ed.) Page 47

tobreakyourfuckinghandnotjustyourfingers,butthatshouldstopyoufromfilingonusgood olwhitefolk. JoseE,ColoradoStatePenitentiary,CanonCityCO(5/30/10)

Staffhaveworkedtogetherinsubjectingmetoanintentional,malicious,sadisticand discriminatorycampaignofharassmentinretaliationformycultural/religiousbeliefsandrace andformyfilinginstitutionalgrievancesaboutSCIGreenestaffsharassment. RicardoN,SCIGreene,WaynesburgPA(6/1/10) SolitaryWatchfrequentlyreceivesnotesfromprisoners,manyoftheminsolitary.Fromtimeto time,theyshareexcerptswithreaders.SolitaryWatchremovesthenamesofprisonersand prisonstoprotectthewritersoftheseletters. IvebeeninsolitaryconfinementsinceOctober2008afterprisonguardsconductedasweepofall HispanicswhichthedepartmentclassifiedasNortheners(HispanicsfromSanFrancisco,SanJose, Sacramento,etc.)Asaresutofthissweepmealongwithabout50otherHispanicswereputin solitaryconfinementunderthepretextthatwewerebeingputunderinvestigationofbeingprison gangmembersandinvestigation.ThefirsttimeIwasallowedbackintothegeneral population.Thissecondtimearound,however,Iwasvalidatedasaprisongangassociate.Basedon afabricatedconfidentialstaffreportprisonstaffpurportedtohaveseenmeincludedwithgang activityIcouldntcrossexaminetheevidencebecauseitwasconfidential.Iknewthatthealleged incidentwasfabricatedasitneveroccurred.Similarlyprisonstaffalsousedconfidential informationprovidedbyconfidentialinformantswhowereseekinglenienttreatmentfromtheir ownmisconduct.California 2010bySolitaryWatch:www.solitarywatch.com

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CollagebyOjoreLutalo

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 Racism

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Iamstillinlockuphere.Iaminthesameclothes.Ihavenotbeenabletocallmyfamily,shower,for overthreedays.Noproperty,nocanteen,nothing.ThereisalisttheygobyandIamnotonthatlistyet Iambeingmovedfromroomtoroombythiscopoverherenamed..,hehavethrew(sic)outmy thingseachtime.HetoldcopsthatIassaultwomenCOs,whichIdont.thiscopisputtingmyllifein danger.TodayIwentforanxrayandoncemorehemovedme.Iwasmovedthistimeintoacondem (sic)room,nowater,nothing.Mylastroommylightwasout.Hedoessomethingtohavememoved.I havebeeninthisroomforalmost3hourshavingtoholdmywater.Iamontoomuchmedstodothis.I dontfeelsafearoundthiscop.IdontwantPC(ProtectiveCustody),butsomethingneedstobedone.I seethiscopsettingmeup,hehavestatetomealreadythathekillsMuslimslikeme. Anonymous,NorthernStatePrison,NewJersey,November29,2010 Certainly,inthecriminaljusticesystem,thepoliticsofthepolice,thepoliticsofthecourts,the politicsoftheprisonsystemandthepoliticsofthedeathpenaltyareamanifestationofthe racismandclassismwhichgovernsthelivesofallofus.EverypartoftheUnitedStatescriminal justicesystemfallsmostheavilyonthepoorandpeopleofcolor,includingthefactthatslaveryis mandatedinprisonsbythe13thAmendmentoftheUSconstitution.The13thAmendmentreads Neitherslaverynorinvoluntaryservitude,exceptaspunishmentforcrimewhereoftheparty shallhavebeendulyconvicted,shallexistwithintheUnitedStates.Whilemostofusdontgive thisamendmentasecondthought,itreallyisatthecoreofhowthelaborofslaveswas transformedintowhatsomepeopleinprisoncallneoslavery. BonnieKerness,FromSlaverytothePrisonSystem:HumanRightsViolationsinAmerica. MonmouthUniversity,February19,2009

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Women in Prison
Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW)

Article 1 the term discrimation against women shall mean any distinction, exclusion or restriction made on the basis of sex which has the effect or purpose of impairing or nullifying the recognition, enjoyment or exercise by women, irrespective of their marital status, on a basis of equality of men and women, or human rights and fundamental freedoms in the political, economic, social, cultural, civic or any other field. Article 2 d. To refrain from engaging in any act or or practice of discrimination against women and to ensure that public authorities and institutions shall act in conformity with this obligation g. To repeal all national penal provisions which constitute discrimination against women. Article 5 State parties shall take all appropriate measures: a. To modify the social and cultural patterns of conduct of men and women, with a view to achieving the elimination of prejudices and customary and all other practices which are based on the idea of the inferiority or the superiority of either of the sexes or on stereotyped roles for men and women

International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (CCPR)

Article 3 The States Parties to the present Covenant undertake to ensure the equal right of men and women to the enjoyment of all civil and political rights set forth in the present Covenant

Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women

Article 2 Violence against women shall be understood to encompass, but not be limited to, the following: c. Physical, sexual and psychological violence perpetrated or condoned by the State, wherever it occurs

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Article 4 States should condemn violence against women and should invoke any custom, tradition or religious consideration to avoid their obligations with respect to its elimination. States should pursue by all appropriate means and without delay a policy of eliminating violence against women and, to this end, should: c. Exercise due diligence to prevent, investigate, and, in accordance with national legislation, punish acts of violence against women, whether those acts are perpetrated by the state or by private persons i. Take measures to ensure that law enforcement officers and public officials responsible for implementing policies to prevent, investigate and sensitize them to the needs of women ThehousingCO(guardwasconductingacelltocellsearchforexcessivetoiletpaperSotheCO askedDorishowmanyrollsoftoiletpaperwereinDorisscell.DorisansweredIseethree.Wellit turnsoutthereweremorethanthreerollsstackedbesidethetoiletandthisangeredtheCOIm sosorry,IdidntknowDorissaysassheleansovertolookatthestackoftoiletpaper.Inleaning over,shemayhaveinadvertentlytouchedorbrushedagainsttheCOsuniform.Afterall,Dorisis70 andbalancecanbeaproblem.NowtheCOisangrierthaneverandyellsatDorisEnternew,more aggressiveSgt.Sforashowofdominance.Hewasoverheardtosay: Illmakesureshegetsarrested, Illbodyslamthatoldbitch. thenewSgt.sendsthegoonsquadtoescortDorisbackuptotheprogramoffice.Theresheis spreadeagleagainstawall,feetkickedouttoawiderandwiderstancebyaggressiveSgt.,pat searched,handcuffedandescortedforamedicalevaluation.ShewasthensenttoAdSeg(the hole)for60+daysThesequeltoallofthisisnow6monthsafteritallhappenedisDoriss seriouslydeterioratinghealth.Shehasnowsufferedaperforatedbowelrequiringemergency surgerysecondarytodebilitatingulcerativecolitis[adiseasecloselyrelatedtopsychological stressors].Sheslostmoreweightthanshecanaffordtoloseandlooksmorewaiflikethanever.As Dostoyevskywrites,thedegreeofcivilizationasocietyexhibitsisbestdeterminedbyhowittreats itsprisoners. JaneD.,CorrectionalInstituteforWomen,CoronaCA(onbehalfofDoris)(4/22/10) Iwaslockedinisolation.Iwasscaredandcriedalot.Isattheredayafterday,weekafterweek, monthaftermonth,yearafteryear.NotoncewasIevertakenoutofmyisolatedcell.Iwasina separatebuildingandwasnotallowedtobuycanteen,wasnotallowedrecreation,library, televisionorchurch.Iwaspreventedfrommakingtelephonecallsorhavingvisits.Iwasalloweda shortshower,afterwhichIwaslockedbackinmycage.Mycellhadawindowthatwasfourinches wideandthreefeetlong.Thewindowwaswideenoughtofitoneeye.Ineededfreshairsobadly thatIstartedtorubmynailsagainsttherubbersealaroundthewindow,itwasthickandhard rubberbutIwantedair.Irubbedformonths.MynailsbrokedownbutIcontinuedtoscrape.The painandblooddidntdisturbme.Ittookme8monthstogetatinyopening.Ifeltworsethana cagedanimal.IspentthreeyearsthereandhavephobiaswhereIstillneedtobeenclosedinmy cellJudyV,EdnaMahonCorrectionalFacility,ClintonNJ(2005) Torture in United States Prisons (2nd Ed.) Page 53

PoemandartbyJudithVazquez Women in Prison Page 54

 MichelleOwasservingoneyearattheOhioReformatoryforWomen,astateprisoninMarysville, whenshewasmolestedbyamaleguardWhenOreportedthefirstassaulttoprisonofficialJ,the officialtoldtheinmatethatthemaleguardwasbeingtransferredfromthefacilityandwasjusta dirtyoldman.Thatsameevening,themaleguardassaultedheragainanotherprisonofficialwho launchedaninvestigationorderedOplacedinsolitaryconfinement,whereshewashandcuffedin thefirstassault,Owasfondledbytheguard,whothentoldherIllgetyoutomorrow, watch.(fromareportbyJustDetentionInternational) Inmatesdescribearangeofincidents,includingviolentencounters,threatsandpressuretosubmit tosexualadvances,tradingsexforgoodsandfavors,andrelationshipsthatwereseemingly consensualwomenwhoreportsexualmisconductareroutinelysenttosolitaryconfinement, unusuallyharshconditionsintheholeoratORWmaycompoundthetraumastrippedofbasic privilegesandlockedinisolationfor23hoursaday JeanCasellaandJamesRidgeway,SolitaryWatch(5/3/10) Myfriendiscurrentlybeingrapedandtheguardisthreateningtohurtherchildandfamilyifshe tellsthisinmatewasnotaskingformoneyjustforrapetostopandtobesentoutofstateforno onetoknowshehadbeenraped.Youseewheninmatereportsrapebycorrectionalofficersheis labeledRV5thatmeansshehadsexwithcorrectionalofficeritdoesnotmatterthatshedidnot doitwillingly.Thatletsalltheotherdirtycopsknowthatsheisaneasytargetforthembecause afteraninmatetellssheistreatedsobadlyshewillnevertellthemagain.Shesuffersharassment, discrimination,getsherpersonalpropertybrokenaccidentallybyofficers,etc.Unrealyousay,but ithappensallthetimetheyknewIhadbeenrapedtheysaidtheymovedmedownthehallas theirremedyforstoppingtherape,100feetawayandhecontinuedtogetme. Theyputmeinsegregationwherehegotmedailyandevencameinonhisdayofftogetme.He physicallyinjuredmeandtothisdayCDOCdoesnothavetorepairoraccommodatethedamages hedid.HebentmythumbsbackwardssoIhaveseverearthritiswhichcausesseverepainwhenItry totype,eat,ordoanythinginvolvinghanduse.Damagesincluded:tornrotatorcuffsinboth shoulderswherehewouldthrowmeagainstthewalls;tornmeniscustearfromwhenIjumpedfrom aladderwhenhepulleddownmypantsIlandedonconcreteflooranddidpermanentdamageto myknee,limpandhurtallthetime;broketworibs;stompedonfeetandbroketoesonowIhave hammertoesfacilitytriedtocoveritupandoneofhisfriendsthatIlaterreportedforrapingan inmateforcedmetowearshoestoosmallmyfeetbleedwhenIdonotweardeepdishshoes;this officersexuallyabused11otherinmatesbuttheywereallreleasedbutbecauseIamdoingalife sentencetheydecidedtointimidatemeithappenstolotsofliferssincetheycannottellforfear ofretaliationandwhentheydo,theygetharassed. Whentheycannottakeanymoreandtrytocommitsuicideiftheydonotdietheychargethemwith abuseofmedicalcareandmakethempayforhospitalvisitsotheyneedtobesuccessfulorthey lose20%oftheir$12amonthpayWearenevergivendecentjobsorlivingarrangementslikenon rapevictims.Weareconstantlygivenfalsewriteupsandputinsegregationonthelittlestthingsin thelast14monthsbecauseofmyRV5ratinganotherofficer,ashestated,youwillnevertellagain sinceyougotscrewedsobadbyCDOCyoulearnedyourlesson.Thenheforcedmetoperform.Ihad nochoice,whenoneisgrabbedaroundtheneckandbreathingdifficultitiseasiertocomplyand besidesIlearnedthatifyouresistyougetbrokenbodypartsandIcanttakeanymoreofthem. SoIdidasrequired.Butmyfriendisstillgoingthroughitandneedshelp.ThisRV5ratingmakesyou Torture in United States Prisons (2nd Ed.) Page 55

opentoallwhowanttogetyouandrememberCDOCdoesnothavetofixbrokenpartsthatwere gotteninrapecasesevenwhenMRIandXraysshowthedamageitneverstopsandonceacop hasaninmatetheybecomeserialrapistsbecausenoonestopsthem. Anonymous,ColoradoDeptofCorrections,PuebloCO5/26/10 Anotherplaintiff,CoraF,was17yearsoldin2006whenshewaschargedwithretailtheft.Ayear later,shemissedacourtdate,andawarrantwasissuedforherarrest.Ayearafterthat,officers showedupatherhouse,andtookherinwhenshewaseightmonthspregnant.Acoupleweeks later,inaprenatalcheckupatthejail,itwasdiscoveredthatF'sbabyhadnoheartbeat.Shewas takentothecountyhospital,whereherarmsandherlegswereshackledtooppositesidesofthe bed.Doctorstriedtoinduceher,butitwasn'tuntilthreedayslaterthatshewentintolabor.Even then,Fsays,shewasleftwithonehandandonelegshackledtothebed.Itwasdifficulttotryto haveababylikethat,Fsays.Especiallybythisbeingmyfirstbaby.Itwassopainful...andyoucan't movearoundlikehowyouwantto.Afterdeliveringherstillbornchild,Fwasallowedtoholdthe babyfor20minutes Nooneissurejusthowmanyincarceratedwomengivebirtheachyear;SaadaSaarestimatesitto beabout1,300.Nordoesanyoneknowhowwidespreadshacklingis. AngelaHsu.DifficultBirths:LaboringandDeliveringinShackles.NationalPublicRadio,7/16/10. http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=128563037&ft=1&f=1070 Inonehighprofilecasein2009,MarciaP,a48yearoldinmateatArizona'sPerryvillePrison,was bakedtodeathinthemiddaysun.P,whomcourtrecordsshowhadahistoryofschizophrenia, substanceabuse,andmildmentalretardation,wasservinga27monthsentenceforprostitution.On adaywhentheArizonasunhaddriventhetemperatureto108degrees,shewasparkedoutdoorsin anunroofed,wirefencedholdingcellwhileawaitingtransfertoanotherpartoftheprison.Adeputy wardenandtwoguardshadbeenstationedinacontrolcenter20yardsaway,butnearlyfourhours hadpassedwhenshewasfoundcollapsedonthefloorofthehumancage.Doctorsatalocalhospital pronouncedPcomatosefromheatstroke,andshediedlaterthatnightafterbeingtakenofflife support.(Twolocalchurchessteppedintoprovideaproperfuneralandburial.) TheMaricopaCountyMedicalExaminerruledthedeathanaccident,causedbycomplicationsof hyperthermiaduetoenvironmentalheatexposure.ThisdespitethefactthatPhadblisteringand firstandseconddegreethermalinjuries"onface,arms,andupperbody. JeanCastella,JamesRidgeway.WhenSummerisTorture.MotherJones,7/27/10 http://motherjones.com/mojo/2010/07/heatwavekillsprisoninmates Pregnantwomenshackledtothebedduringchildbirth.Longperiodsofisolationaspunishment forminorinfractions.Noprivacyinthebathroom;norighttodresswithouttheriskofbeing observedbymaleguards.Beingseparatedbythousandsofmilesfromyourchildren.Yettome, themostinsidious,damagingattackonwomenprisonersintheU.S.istheroutinepatsearchby maleguards,repeatedseveraltimesdaily.Reactwithanger(asyoumightifamanmolestedyou thatwayonthestreet)andyouwillbepunishedandsenttothehole.Theveryrulesofthe institutionsconstitutehumanrightsviolations. LauraWhitehorn,InalienableRights:ApplyingInternationalHumanRightsStandardstotheU.S. CriminalJusticeSystem.AmericanFriendsServiceCommittee.

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How You Can Get Involved

Belowisalistofactionsyoucantakeonbehalfofprisonerssufferinghumanrightsviolations,and theirfamilies. Payattentiontothemedia. Readwidelyandmaintainabroadvisionofbooks,newspapers,magazines,theinternet,and documentaryfilms.Usethisreportasastartingpointoranextstep.Contactauthorsandmedia sourceswithquestions.Researchsolutionsthathaveworkedandthosethathavefailed.Leverage thepowerofblogging,Facebook,andTwittertobeheard. Talktotheformerlyincarcerated. Gettheperspectivesofthosewhohavesufferedhumanrightsviolations.Talktotheircoworkers, neighbors,andfamilymembers.Heartheirstoriesindetail. Knowyourrights. Learningonescivilorhumanrightsisacriticalactionitemforeveryone,especiallydefendants, incarceratedpeople,theirfamilies,andtheiradvocates.Itisimportantforindividualstakingactionto knowwhatinternationaltreaties,conventions,anddeclarationsandtheConstitutionstate. Joinanorganizationandformcoalitions. Groupactioncanoftenyieldbetterresultsthanindividualaction.Manyformerlyincarceratedyouth andadults,activistsandadvocates,andcommunitymembersleadorganizationsthatworkona widerangeofrelatedissues.Joinsuchanorganization.Formacoalition;manyorganizationswork onincarcerationissues,butmoreofthemcouldpulltogethertoadvancetheircauseandreachthe criticalmassneededforaction. Conductsurveys. Communitysurveysareaneffectivewaytogetnecessaryinformationandinsurethateffortsmatchthe prioritiesofthemostaffectedpersons.Theyalsohelptofindandbuildrelationshipswiththesepeople. Engageofficials. Makeitastrategicfocusforaffectedindividuals,organizations,andcoalitionstomeetwithofficials toexpresstheirconcernsormakerecommendationsordemands. Takethefollowingstepstomeetwithofficials: Theorganizationorcoalitionshouldstudytheproblemandsolutions; Decideonthemeetingagenda(listofitemstobediscussed); Decidewhatapproachtotake,includingwhichpersonswillspeakonwhichpoints,and whichpersonswilltakenotes; Sendalettertotheofficials,firstbyregularmail,andlater,ifyoureceivenoresponse,by certifiedmailthatmakesreferencetothefirstletterandincludesacopy.Thelettershould statetheproblemandsolutions(withanyproofyoumayhave)andifacoalition,shouldbe signedbyasmanyofthememberorganizationsaspossible. Atthemeeting: Bringcopiesofdocumentationoftheproblemaswellastheletterssenttoofficials,and youragenda;

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Bepreparedtoasktoughquestionsandgetanswers.Sticktotheagendasetbythegroup, anddonotgetsidetrackedbyallowingtheparticipantstochangetheagendaoruseup timewithspeechesorunrelatedissues.Whereofficialspromisetotakeaction,set timetablesanddeadlinesandtimelines; Endwithanagreementfornextsteps,evenifonlyforfollowup. Assoonaspossibleafterthemeeting,debrief,decideonnextsteps,andsendalettertothe officialshighlightingthenextsteps,includingtimetablesanddeadlines. Holdpublicevents. Manyorganizationsandcoalitionsholdprivatemeetings.Butpubliceventscanbringattentiontothe issueandattractnewmembers.Forexample,forums,panels,andtownhallmeetingsallowleaders andexpertstoexplainproblemsandsolutionsandanswerquestions.Peoplewhohaveexperienced problemscantalkabouttheirsituationandbeofferedassistance. Choosealocationclosetothepeoplethatyouwanttoreach.Createandcirculateflyersaboutthe event.Sendannouncementstocommunitynewspapers.Ifthereisconfidencethattheattendance willbegood,invitethemediabysendingthempressreleases.Again,useFacebookand. Dooutreach. Outreachisimportantfororganizationsandcoalitionstomakeothersseeandhearthem.Findout wheretheaffectedpeopleareandbringtheoutreachtothem.Usethemedia.Letterstotheeditor maynotbeprintedbutmaystillhaveaninfluenceonthewaytheeditorscoveryourincarceration issue.Writearticlesandsubmitthemtocommunitypapers,whichoftenlookforoutsidematerial. Postarticlesoninternetwebsitesandblogs.Tweet.Givethesourceofallclaimsandfacts:expert testimony,quotesfrompeoplewhohavebeenthroughtheexperience,orstatisticscollectedfrom officialsourcesorcommunitysurveys.Becarefulandaccurate. Collectinformationandreportit. Gatherdataandstatisticsfromonlinesearchenginesorfromofficialsourcesusingopenrecordsor FreedomofInformationActrequests(lawsthatrequiregovernmentstoprovideinformationabout theirexpendituresandactivities).Youcanrequesttheinformationfromofficialsduringmeetings (seeabove)butsendingacertifiedlettertothepublicinformationdepartmentoftheappropriate agencycanbefarmoreeffective.Requestthattheofficialsgiveyoutheinformationinelectronic form(onaCDoranemailattachment)incasetherearecopyingfees. Reviewtheinformationfordatathatsupportshumansrightsissues.Puttheinformationintofliersor reportsthatwillofferproofoftheproblemsseriousness.Thebestreportscombinevictim'sstorieswith statisticsandotherfacts,andendwithrecommendationsanddemandsandaplanforachievingthem. Observe. Watchingandmonitoringtheactivityisanalsoexcellentactionitem.Forexample,teachinmates howtoobserveandreportabusetotheoutside. Lobby. Meetwithlegislators,supplythemwiththestatistics,victimsstoriesandotherevidence.Legislators notonlyhavethepowertointroducebillsthatcanbecomelaws,theyalsocanholdhearingsthat bringattentiontotheseissues.

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APPENDIX
The Story of Ojore Lutalo
ThestoryofOjoreLutaloisuniqueasisthestoryofeveryprisonerrepresentedinthisdocument. WetellOjoresstorymoreexpansivelybecausehewasourgroundzeropersonwhenhewroteto AFSCin1986afterhavingjustbeenplacedinTrentonStatePrisons(nowrenamedNewJerseyState Prison)ManagementControlUnit(MCU).Thatcontrolunitwasopenedin1975andwasmodeled directlyonSanQuentinPrisonsOWing.Ojorewroteaskingwhatacontrolunitwas,whyhewas thereandhowlonghewouldhavetostaythere.Hedescribedextremeisolationwith24/7lockdown, limitedornocontactwithotherpeople,andapsychologicalwarfarethatwenowknowasnotouch torture. Inoneofhisearlyletters,Ojorewrote:Howdoesonegoaboutarticulatingdesperationtoanotherwho isnotdesperate?Howdoesonegoaboutarticulatingthepsychologicalstressofknowingthatpeople arewaitingformetoselfdestruct?Ididnotdoanythingtodeservethis.Ojorewentontodescribe beingawakenedbyguardsdressedinriotgearholdingbarkingdogsat1a.m.everyothermorning.Once awakened,theprisonerswereforcedtostripandgathertheirbelongings,whilefeelingthedogs strainingattheirleashessnappingattheirprivateparts.Hedescribedbeingterrorizedandintimidated, andthehumiliationofbeingnakedwithoutknowingwhetherthemaskedguardsweremaleorfemale. Ifwethinkbacktoslaveryandtoimagesofthecivilrightsmovements,werecognizethatdogshave beenusedasadeviceoftortureforhundredsofyearsintheUnitedStates. WemonitoredOjorefrom1986throughhiscourtorderedreleasefromprisoninAugust2009. Duringthetimehewaskeptinisolation,weconfirmedthathe,alongwithothersintheMCU,were beingheldthereforpoliticalreasonsfortheirbeliefs.Ojorewasconsideredablackradicalcapable ofimpartinghisradicalbeliefsystemtoothers.TheAFSCwasabletocommunicatethistoThe BergenRecordnewspaperreporter,BillSanderson,whoin1992wroteanewspaperarticleonOjore andotherscalledNewJerseyPoliticalPrisonersDoHardTimeinSolitary.Inthatarticle,Bill reported:Since1986OjoreN.LutalohasbeeninsolitaryconfinementatNewJerseyStatePrison, lockedaloneinhiscell22to24hoursaday.Heisntbeingtreatedthiswaybecausehebrokeprison rulesifhehad,hewouldhavebeenreturnedtogeneralprisonpopulationyearsago.Instead,ina nationthatveneratesfreedomofthought,Lutaloisapoliticalprisoneroneof77inmates segregatedfromotherconvictedcriminalsbecauseprisonofficialsfeartheirpoliticalandreligious ideascouldfomenttrouble.BecauseLutalobrokenorules,prisonofficialssayhisplacementinthe managementcontrolunit,orMCU,isntpunishment.ButinmatessaylifeishardenoughinNJSate, thestatesmostdangerousandmostsecure,prison,withoutenduringtheMCUsenforcedisolation andidleness. In1994NewYorkChannel9reporterPeterFuentesdidapiecefortheirnewsprogramsheadlined PrisonPoliticsconfirmingthattheNewJerseyDepartmentofCorrectionssaystheseprisoners aredangerousbecausetheyhavestrongpoliticalorreligiousideasandarecapableofleadingothers toriot.In2001,adocumentaryfilmmakerreceivedpermissionfromtheDepartmentof CorrectionstofilmInMyOwnWords,a45minutedocumentaryaboutOjorewhichairedona NewJerseycablestationandatvenuesacrossthecountry. Torture in United States Prisons (2nd Ed.) Page 59

After16yearsinisolation,OjoreandmanyotherswerereleasedfromtheManagementControlUnit basedonthefindingofaSpecialMasterorderedviacourtlitigation2002.ForthoseofusatAFSCs PrisonWatchandotherswhomonitorfriendsandlovedonesinisolationunits,theactof disappearingsomeoneiscommon.Familymemberscallfromalloverthecountry,franticbecause theyhavenotheardfromafamilymemberviaananticipatedcallorletter.Thishappensespecially frequentlyinthespecialneedsormentalhealthunitsinsupermaxprisonsthroughoutthe country.Theabsenceofcontactwiththelovedonecausesalarm,andoftennoonerespondstothe familyscallsofconcern. FromOctober13th,2005throughOctober18th,2005,Ojoresuddenlydisappearedfromcontact. Foramonthpriortohisdisappearance,noonehadheardfromhimviamailortelephone,norwas heallowedtohavevisitation.NoonecouldgetanyinformationfromtheDepartmentofCorrections abouthiswellbeing. HewasheldincommunicadoinNewJerseyStatePrisonsmentalhealthunit,called1Cbyprison workersandtheboomboomroombyprisoners.Therehewasnotallowedtomaketelephone calls,sendorreceivepersonalmail,receivepersonalorlegalvisits,ortakepartinanyactivitiesat all.Hewasheldincompleteisolationsufferingtheworstformofnotouchtorture. WhatfollowsareexcerptsfromOjoresexperience.Imaginethethousandsofpeopleexperiencing somethingsimilarinprisoncagesacrossthecountry.Imaginethatthisishappeningtosomeoneyou love. Thursday,October13th,2005Thelockdownstartedaround1:30am,whenacellextractionteamof severalsecurityguards,dressedincombatgear,wokemeupandsaid:perordersofthewarden,you aretobemovedto1C(thesocalledmentalhealthunit).SoIstartedthinking,whytheboomboom room,sinceitiswellknownthatIdonotsufferfromanypsychologicaldecompensations. IgetupandIstartfeelingaroundinthedarknessofthecellformyclothingbecausetheyturnedthe poweroff.Thesergeantasksforaflashlight,buttheydonthaveoneamongthemselves.Igot dressedfortheunexpected,butIcouldnotfindanythermalunderwearinthedark. AsIenter1C,Iseefourorfivecellslocatedbehindafloortoceilingfencewithanotherfencebuilt aroundthefirstcell,inwhichIamplaced.Theyuncuffmyrighthandandtellmetoplacemyhand behindmyheadandtheydothesamewithmylefthandandthentellmetoturnaroundandstrip.I gothroughthestripsearchmotions:raisemyhands,openmymouth,stickmytongueout,liftmy privateparts,turnaround,raisemyrightfoot,bottomsupandthenIspreadthecheeksofmyass. Thentheytellmetoturnaroundandfacethewalluntiltheyleave.TheyleaveandIturnaroundto putmyclothingon,onlytofindoutthattheytookmyclothingwiththem.ThereIstand,nakedina coldwatercell,standingnexttoapuddleofwater! IfindthatIaminaclosewatchcell!Onecameraisoverthedirty,uncoveredfoammattresson thefloor,whichisalsodirty.Theothercameraislocatedoverthecelldoor.Thecelllightisalso locatedhighupagainstthewallandthewhiteburninglightsstayontwentyfourhoursaday, makingsleepingdifficultandyoureyesstartfeelingliketheyhavesandunderneathyoureyelids. Focusingbecomesdifficult.Theventinthecageishighupagainstthewall,andblowsoutfreezing coldair24hoursaday.TheonlybeddingIamgivenislyingontopofthedirtyuncoveredmattress

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andaretwopaperthinsheets.Itearupasheettocoverupthepuddleofwateronthefloortokeep mybarefeetdryandwraptheothersheetaroundmybody IstarttofeelthecoldnessofthecageassaultingmynakedbodyIcanfeelmybodystartingtoshake soIgetoffthesinkandstartpacingthefloor.WhenIgrowwearyofpacingthefloor,Isitatopthe stainlesssteelsinkhuggingmybodywithpapersheet.Ienteredtheboomboomroomat1:30am. Friday,October14th.at9:30am,theygavemebackmyclothing!Thetelephoneisringingwith callscominginfromotherprisonsecurityguardswantingtoknowLutalosstatus,ifIhadlosta senseofmyself,meaningifLutalowentcrazy.Igrowwearyofpacingthefloorandsittingatopof thesink,soIcoverthedirtyfoammattresswithapapersheetandlaydownfullydressedanddoze off.Iwakeuptothesoundofsplashingwater,toseewaterleakingfromtheceilingandrunning downthewallandseepingunderthemattress.Icalltheguardwhocomestothecagedoor.Iaskif hecouldmovemetoanotherage.Nowthewaterisrunningunderneaththecagedoor.Twohours latertheymovemeintocage#2whichdoesnthavethe24hourcamerawatch.Cage#2has anotherdirtyfoammattresswithtwopapersheetsatopitandisjustascoldasCage#1.Istart pacingtogeneratesomebodyheat.Thestoolandthecageshelveswereremoved,thelightswitch hasasteelplateoveritandthewallsocketshavesteelplatesoverthem.Thecagelightstayson24 hoursaday.Thefloor,toilet,andsinkarefilthy! Saturday,October15thJustlikeIwasillegallyplaceintheboomboomroom,itwasillegalforthe wardentohavemeplacedinacagethatwascondemned.IstayedincagenumbertwountilSaturday afternoonwhenasergeantcametothecageandtoldmethatIwasbeingoveredto1Coverflow. Theputmeincage#1andIenteredthecagetofindasteelbedframeboltedtothewallandfloor, withanotherdirtyfoammattressandaworkinglightswitch.Thecagehadtwomountedclosewatch camerasandwasjustascoldastheothercages.Iwasgiventwosecuritytoothbrushes,asmalltubeof toothpaste,abarofsoapandonedirtyverythincottonspreadandfourpaperwashcloths. Sunday,October16thYoucallthisademocracy? Monday,October17thMyeyesarehurtingmorefromtheglareofthe24hourbrightwhite lights!Youcallthisademocracy?Ifeelthecoldnessofthecageassaultingme.Ipace,Idoze,Icover thedirtymattressfoammattressandlaydown.ThewayIamnowbeingtreatedisillegal.Thiscage iscondemned.Youcallthisademocracy?! Tuesday,October18At12:40am,fiveguardscameintothecagewithanurse.Thesergeanttold methatthenursewantedtotakemyvitals.IthoughtthiswasastrangerequestsinceIhadnot requestedanymedicalassistanceanditwas12:40amwithfiveguardsstandingthere.Thenurse onlytookmybloodpressureandleftthecagewithouttakingmytemperature,pulseorheartrateor askinganyquestionsaboutmymedicalhistory,whichIthoughtwasallapartoftakingonesvitals. Around8:30amonTuesday,threesecurityguardsshowupandtoldmethatIambeingmovedto theManagementControlUnit.IamhandcuffedandescortedtotheMCU.IenterMCUandCell#6 opensup,thedoorechoing.IstepintothecagetodiscoverthatIaminanotherclosewatchone withanotherdirtyfoammattressonthecolorandacameramountedtotheceiling.Thestooland cageshelveswereremoved,thelightswitchhasasteelplateoveritandthewallsocketshavesteel platesoverthem.Thelightstayson24hoursaday.Thefloor,sinkandtoiletarefilthy. Torture in United States Prisons (2nd Ed.) Page 61

IstilldonotknowwhyIwasplacedonnocontactstatus,whyIwasplacedintheboomboomroom orwhyIwasreinternedinthemanagementcontrolUnit.Allofthiswithouteverbreakingasingle rule!Youcallthisademocracy? October20,2005OnceOjorewasabletobeintouchwithusandothers,heletusknowthathe hadillegallybeenplacedbackintheManagementControlUnit.Nocharges,noreasonandaftera SpecialMasterhadreleasedhimthreeyearsprior.WhenIcalledtheDepartmentofCorrections,it tookmanyconversationsbeforeIwasbluntlytoldthatthiswasattherequestofHomelandSecurity. BonnieKerness,AmericanFriendsServiceCommitteeStopmaxConference(6/08) InyetanotherincidentofOjoredisappearingwithoutanyreason,hewasremovedwithout explanationfromtheMCUandplacedinabloodycell.Ifwerememberthephotoscomingoutof AbuGhraibofthenotouchtorturewherethemanwasforcedtostandforhourswithhisarms out,notmoving,wecanpicturewhatwentoninthisbloodycellforthesixhourshewasforcedto standthere.Again,thisishappeningeveryday,throughouttheUnitedStates.Itistorturethat occurswithoutanychemicalorphysicalabuse.Whenhewasfinallyabletocontactus,theAFSC receivedprobonocooperationfromJeanRoss,anattorneywhowrotetotheDepartmentof Corrections: itwasimmediatelyapparentthatsomethingwasseriouslywrong.Therewerestreaksofblood visibleonthebacksandsidewallsofthecell,andontheglasswindowofthecelldoor.Thefloor wasvisiblybloodspattered,totheextentthatthebloodadheredtoMr.Lutalosboots.Therewas alsobloodinthesink.Nevertheless,Mr.Lutalowaslockedinthatcellandheremainedtherefor6 hoursMr.Lutalowasthenmovedtocell#5.Hewasnotallowedtoshowerafterthissecond transfer,sohehadtowashthebloodoffhisbootsinthesinkofhisnewcell.Mr.Lutalothen observedprisonersinwhitejumpsuitsandwhiterubberglovesentercell#1,withplasticbottlesof yellowbleachandredplastictoxicwastebags.Helaterlearnedthatthepreviousoccupantofthat cellhadattemptedsuicideaboutamonthpriortohisplacement,andthatthecellhadnotbeen cleanedsincethattime. Theprotectivemeasuresorderedbysomememberoftheprisonstaffimplythatthedangersof exposuretobloodborneinfectionwereknownbysomeresponsiblememberoftheprisonstaff. Thisraisesthequestion,then,ofwhyMr.Lutalowasplacedincell#1,initsoriginalbloodystate,by thepersonswhotransportedhimto2BLeft. FromlawyerJeanRosssletteronbehalfOjoreLutalo,NewJerseyStatePrison,Trenton,NJ(8/31/07) DuringthequartercenturythatwemonitoredOjoreLutaloinisolation,hewasneverassaultedeither physicallyorchemically.Thenotouchtortureheenduredconsistedofsleepdeprivation,screeching sounds,extremesilence,extremecoldandheat,intentionalsituationalplacement,humiliationa systematicattackonallhumanstimuli. After22yearsoflivinginisolation,hewasreleasedfromprisoninAugustof2009viacourtorder.On January26th,hedisappearedfromanAmtraktrain,andwasaccusedofendangeringpublic transportationandarrestedinLaJunta,Colorado.Becauseofhisunusualname,nationalnewspaper articlesincorrectlyassumedhewasMuslimandthathewasconnectedtoAlQaeda.Hereceiveddeath threatsviatheInternetasaresultofthosenewspaperarticles.Ajudgedismissedallchargesoneweek later.Ojorehasfiledcivillitigation.

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Glossary
ADSEGAdministrativeSegregation:apunishmentunitdesignedforprisonerswhohavereceived adisciplinaryinfractionandhavebeenfoundguiltybytheadministrationsPrisonersDisciplinary Committeeandreceivedafixedamountoftimetobeservedinthispunishmentunit Articlesectionoflegaldocument,suchas,UNConventionsandCovenantsdefininginternational humanrightslaws Blackboxrestraintdevice;aweightedboxwithhandcuffsattachedtosides,canalsobeattached tobellychainsandotherbodilyrestraints BoomboomroomSlangtermformentalhealthunitwhereprisonersaremonitoredbycamera BOPBureauofPrisons:afederallawenforcementagencysubdivisionoftheUnitedStates DepartmentofJustice,responsiblefortheadministrationofthefederalprisonsystem CADOCCaliforniaDepartmentofCorrections CDOCColoradoDepartmentofCorrections CDVConductViolation CMUCommunicationsManagementUnit:arecentdesignationforaselfcontainedgroupwithina facilityintheUnitedStatesFederalBureauofPrisonsthatseverelyrestricts,managesandmonitors alloutsidecommunication(telephone,mail,visitation)ofprisonersintheunit.In2006and2007, theFederalBureauofPrisons(BOPorBureau)secretlycreatedtheCommunicationsManagement Unit(CMU),aprisonunitdesignedtoisolateandsegregatecertainprisonersinthefederalprison systemfromtherestoftheBOPpopulation.Currently,therearetwoCMUs,onelocatedinTerre Haute,IndianaandtheotherinMarion,Illinois.TheCMUshousebetween60and70prisonersin total,andovertwothirdsoftheCMUpopulationisMuslim,eventhoughMuslimsrepresentonly 6percentofthegeneralfederalprisonpopulation.(CenterforConstitutionalRightsdefinition) COCorrectionalOfficer:apersonchargedwiththeresponsibilityofthesupervision,safetyand securityofprisonersinaprison,jail,orsimilarformofsecurecustody CSWContrabandSurveillanceWatch:ifprobablecauseexiststhatevidencehasbeenswallowed andthatitisretrievableinusableform,thesearchprocessmaybeintensifiedasprovided inthisarticle,theinmatemaybeplacedinamedicallyapprovedcontrolledisolatedsettingon ContrabandSurveillanceWatch(CSW)underconstantvisualsupervisionobservationuntilthe contrabandcanberetrievedthroughnaturalmeans,orisvoluntarilysurrenderedbytheinmate. SeeCaliforniaDOCpolicyformoreinformation DOMSectionDepartmentOperationsManual EBIDElectricBodyImmobilizerDevice:anynonlethaldefensiveelectricaldeviceapprovedbythe Departmenttotemporarilyimmobilizeanindividual Torture in United States Prisons (2nd Ed.) Page 63

 InternationalCovenant(onCivilandPoliticalRights)abindingagreementsettingtermsfor conduct,signedbymembersoftheinternationalcommunity IsolationisolationunitsaresometimesreferredtoasSecuredHousingUnits,ManagementControl Units,DepartmentalDisciplinaryUnits,ControlledMovementUnits,LongTermSegregationUnits, ClosedCustodyUnits,lockdownunits,orthehole.Isolationunitshouseprisonerswhoare confinedtotheircellsfortwentythreeortwentyfourhoursperday.Controlunitshavereliedon sensorydeprivation,constantunpleasantnoise,orhavingthelightsontwentyfourhoursaday, createsadifferentformofsensoryassault,withsimilareffects LongTermSegregationUnitseeIsolation MCUManagementControlUnit:anonpunitiveisolationunitforprisonerswhomtheadministration perceivesashavingpoliticalorreligiousconvictionsofwhichtheydonotapprove;orhavingtheability toinfluenceotherssoastoposeathreattotheorderlyoperationofaninstitution.Prisonersentering theMCUarenotplacedthereforviolatingadministrativerules,anddonothaveafixedamountof timetobeserved NoContactStatusNocontactwithotherprisonersispermitted NoTouchTortureasetofpracticesusedtoinflictpainorsufferingwithoutresortingtodirect physicalviolence.Practicesincludesleepdeprivation,sensorydisorientation,solitaryconfinement, humiliation,extremecoldorheat,extremeblindinglightonfor24hoursorextremedark. ProtectiveCustodyRemovalofaprisonerwhoisperceivedasbeingatargetofotherprisonersby theadministrationandplacementinanisolationprotectivecustodyunit RHUrestrictedhousingunit.SeeIsolation SHUsecurityhousingunit.SeeIsolation S.I.D.OfficerSpecialInvestigationsDivisionofficer;describedbytheNewJerseyDepartmentof CorrectionsasbeingresponsibleforinvestigationsintoviolationsofthelawsoftheStateofNew JerseyandviolationsoftheadministrativecodefortheNJDOCbyinmates,employeesandthose individualswhovisitNJDOCfacilities SMUspecialmanagementunit.SeeIsolation SupermaxAmaximumsecurityprisonorprisonunitinwhichprisonersaresubjectedtostrict solitaryconfinementandextrememeasuresofcontrol,inspection,andsurveillance SecurityThreatGroupManagementUnit(STGMU)Typeofisolationunitusedtosegregate prisonersidentifiedbytheprisonadministrationasgangmembers VCUvideoconferencingunit

Glossary

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