Rikers Island inmates on hunger strike over horrid conditions, lack of basic services

[WhiskeyGrinder]

https://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/nyc-crime/ny-hunger-strike-rikers-island-rndc-jail-20220111-jwxyviiutnf4pohsfb2u2hv6iy-story.html

Detainees in a Rikers Island jail say they are on hunger strike in protest of horrid conditions and a lack of basic services.

Around 200 inmates are participating in the strike at the island’s Robert N. Davoren Center, estimated Chris Boyle, director of data research and policy with New York County Defender Services. The strike was underway in four dormitories containing about 50 detainees each, Boyle said.

(snip)

In a second voice mail, another detainee said they aren’t receiving mail, any rec time outside or medical services. “This continues to linger months and months on end,” he said. “We are currently on 24/7 lockdown and we’ve been isolated for 15 days and counting.

“Court dates and hearings are constantly being adjourned, motions and bail hearings as well. We are not receiving communication in a timely fashion as well. We are basically here stuck in limbo...The city is still open for business but Rikers Island is closed,” the second detainee said. “We are not getting visits or lawyer visits which has continued to hinder our due process as well.”

[Solly Mack]

1. K&R

[2naSalit]

2. What a mess.

I heard about atrocities at Rykers even when I was a kid living in New England. NYC always seemed like a "no go zone", we stuck with outings to Boston instead.

[mitch96]

4. My friends mentally ill daughter got thrown into Rykers for a drug offense (pot)... for a YEAR.

She was abused, raped, beaten and starved... and after a year she was released b/c lack of evidence... It did not help with her mental condition either.. No recourse...uff
m

[Klaralven]

3. I thought DeBlasio's plan was to replace Rikers with prisons in each borough?

He probably defunded Rikers.

[Demovictory9]

5. orange county California, inmates are getting 3 cold meals a day