Inhumane conditions for inmates; Colin Kaepernick Gets Involved

The issue of inhumane conditions for prisoners is a problem now and it has been for many years. There are many different opinions from many different aspects on the matter as you would expect. Yaad (Jamaica), and abroad the topic has recently made headlines. In Jamaica the IRAWMA Award winning news company the Jamaica Gleaner reported “Prison conditions and inhumane treatment of prisoners“. In the article it speaks about Jamaica prisons, which has several punitive, harsh, and overcrowded prisons, which have repeatedly led to the mistreatment and neglect of the wholesome interests or rehabilitation of prisoners.

In the Untied States of America CNN reported the death of Lashawn Thompson a US inmate who died in an insect-infested prison cell. On September 13, 2022, he was found unresponsive in the mental ward of the Atlanta jail. Relatives claim that he had been “eaten alive” by bedbugs. Now, the family is requesting an impartial post-mortem investigation through their attorneys. Ben Crump, a civil rights and personal injury attorney who is assisting the family, announced Thursday at a press conference held outside the jail that they would ask for an impartial autopsy. According to Mr. Crump, former NFL player Colin Kaepernick has committed to pay for it.

Millions of Americans are incarcerated in overcrowded, violent, and inhumane jails and prisons that do not provide treatment, education, or rehabilitation. The EJI (Equal Justice Initiative) is fighting for reforms that protect incarcerated people. For those who would like to contribute to the fight against inhumane conditions for prisoners here is the link.