Folsom State Prison, Folsom, California
May 25, 2017
Prisoners in the administrative segregation unit launch a hunger strike in protest of conditions which they claim “constitute cruel and unusual punishment under the U.S. Constitution.”
From the prisoners’ press release:
On May 25th, 2017 prisoners in Folsom State Prison B4 ASU (Administrative Segregated Unit) in Represa, CA have started a hunger strike to peacefully protest the conditions of their confinement in the administrative segregated unit. Prisoners have exhausted all reasonable remedies, with no avail. Further, prisoners have attempted to open lines of communication with administrative officials and met with only resistance and silence…
Prisoners in B4 ASU are forced to sit or stand idle in their cells or yard cages without meaningful exercise, education, or rehabilitative programs. We are already forced to endure atypical and significant hardships due to being in segregated housing and solitary confined. When taken together, these conditions constitute cruel and unusual punishment under the U.S. Constitution.
We are being deprived of basic human needs, including normal human contact, environmental and sensory stimulation, mental and physical health, entertainment, physical exercise, sleep, access to courts, and meaningful activity. Prolonged exposure to these deprivations has caused and will cause serious physical and psychological harm.
Citations:
“Hunger Strike Begins at Old Folsom State Prison“, Central Valley Indy Bay, May 17, 2017.
“Folsom Prison Hunger Strike Continues, Rally This Weekend in Support“, The Root, June 3, 2017.
“Folsom hunger strikers issue demands and grievances“, San Francisco Bay View, May 27, 2017.
