Justice Newzzz
AL man escapes execution for now; FBI investigating Kinetik Justice's beating; CT to close 3 prisons in the coming months; PA governor commutes sentences, freeing 13 people — your weekly justice news
Bad and good news: bad first, please see our retraction and apology for a tagline last week, and as always, reach out if you have concerns, feedback and love or hate to tips@thedes1790.com. Thanks for giving The Des (me, LJ) grace while we grow this platform.
now for the I didn’t screw up good news: We are launching a community board below that will offer space for action calls, announcements and other non-newsy good stuff. To post or be featured, just email us!
News
(there was so much this week so make sure you follow @thedes1790 on Twitter. we put it all there)
ICYMI: How COVID-19 spread through San Quentin State prison. Mother Jones (Feb. 1, 2021)
stayed: Execution of Willie Smith in AL was canceled after the Supreme Court ruled that a spiritual adviser was required to be with him. More from EJI. AL.com (Feb. 12, 2021)
essential death: Execution has been ruled an essential function in Alabama, a state leading the nation in COVID-19 deaths per capita. Southerly Mag (Feb. 9, 2021)
investigating: FBI launched a probe into correctional officers after the beating of AL prison activist Kinetik Justice last week. AP (Feb. 9, 2021)
not doing that again: After a man died in prison awaiting the governor’s signature in PA, the Gov. commuted 13 people facing life without parole. The Appeal (Feb. 12, 2021)
looking into it: Illinois attorney announced an investigation into the conditions at the St. Louis jail after inmates rebelled in protest and made national news. AP (Feb. 8, 2021)
from inside: “When The Prison Banned Board Games, We Played Chess In Our Minds." The Marshall Project (Feb. 11, 2021)
shuttered: CT announced it will close three prisons in the coming months due to falling inmate populations accelerated by pandemic releases. CT Mirror (Feb. 10, 2021)
not welcome back: Aurora, CO police officers fired after posting a smiling photo at the site of Elijah McClain’s police encounter that led to his death lose their appeal for their jobs back. Denver Post (Feb. 9, 2021)
beat down: New videos show Massachusetts cops brutalizing George Floyd protesters. The Appeal (Feb. 9, 2021)
Community board otherwise known as the few bright spots in a dark world
TruthOut launches Keeley Schenwar memorial 1,500 word essay from an incarcerated writer with prize of $3k / from life in prison to the CEO of Instagram for inside / help The Marshall Project report on COVID-19 in prisons and jails / a couple, both incarcerated for almost 50 years works to keep others out of prison / a social worker in Colorado is flooding the Denver jail with books ///
COVID-19 resources: State policy changes. News. Bureau of Prisons updates. State court changes. Prison holistic self care and protection.
We want to hear from you about how COVcID-19 is impacting you and the people connected to you. What is not being talked about? What story do you have that needs to be heard? Who do you want answers or explanations from? Please reach out to tips@thedes1790.com.