Racial Factions in Prisons Unite for Large Protest Against Inhumane Conditions; Actions Coordinated via Contraband Mobile Phones
December 14th, 2010Via: Atlanta Journal-Constitution:
Corrections officials said the prisons on lockdown are Hays State Prison in Trion, Macon State Prison in Oglethorpe, Telfair State Prison in Helena and Smith State Prison in Glennville.
However, advocates said inmates, at times, have shut down all activity at Augusta, Baldwin, Calhoun, Hancock, Hays, Macon, Rogers, Smith, Telfair, Valdosta and Ware state prisons. There are 30 prisons in the state system, housing almost 53,000 men and women.
The protest, which started last Thursday, was organized by inmates using contraband cell phones purchased from guards, according to Elaine Brown, a prisoner advocate who has been in contact with the inmates.
According to Brown, the inmates are protesting the lack of fruits and vegetables in their meals, no pay for their work, poor living conditions and parole decisions.
