ACLU SoCal issues statement on the end of the hunger strike in CA prisons
Today, inmates ended their hunger strike protesting the state’s inhumane practice of prolonged solitary confinement after state officials responded to their demands for reform. Inmate advocates announced that the promise of legislative hearings was one reason to end the strike.
It is estimated approximately 80,000 prisoners across the country are held in solitary confinement, with nearly 12,000 held in California. California is one of many states that allows for inmates to live in solitary confinement indefinitely. We urge lawmakers to make our state a leader by holding the promised legislative hearings and restricting this inhumane practice.
Those suffering from mental illness or developmental disabilities should not be placed in solitary confinement and those who begin to show signs of a mental breakdown should be removed. Solitary confinement should only be used as a last resort. Prisoners should not have to go on hunger strikes and risk their lives to receive humane treatment.
Stay informed
Every month, you'll receive regular roundups of the most important civil rights and civil liberties developments. Remember: a well-informed citizenry is the best defense against tyranny.
By completing this form, I agree to receive occasional emails per the terms of the ACLU’s privacy policy.
The latest in Smart Justice
ACLU's Vision
The American Civil Liberties Union is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to defend and preserve the individual rights and liberties guaranteed to every person in this country by the Constitution and laws of the United States of America.
Learn More About Smart Justice
The ACLU Campaign for Smart Justice is an unprecedented, multiyear effort to reduce the U.S. jail and prison population by 50% and to challenge racism in the criminal legal system.