Alabama Prisoners Who Plan Peaceful Protest Say Officials Are Retaliating

(Springville, Ala.) – Prisoners at St. Clair Correctional Facility (SCCF) are demanding that Alabama’s commissioner of prisons stop riot police from beating and abusing them two days before the start of a peaceful work stoppage at the prison on March 1.

The strike is being organized by the Free Alabama Movement (FAM) to protest the severe overcrowding and filthy living conditions at SCCF. FAM will hold a press conference on March 3 at the State Capitol in Montgomery.

The Alabama Department of Corrections (ADOC) for years has refused to improve the substandard living and health conditions at SCCF, according to the FAM. The immediate demands of the peaceful strike include:

1. The reduction in the prison’s population ro relieve the severe overcrowding and inhumane living conditions.

2. Inspections and improvements in the kitchen and the living areas to meet current state and federal health, sanitary, and safety regulations.

3. The restoration of the prison’s mentoring program and resources devoted to providing classes for education, rehabilitation, re-entry preparedness, and reducing violence at the prison.

4. An end to the arbitrary discrimination against religions, including restrictions on access to classrooms, equipment, and restrictions on outside sponsors.

5. The removal of all officers known for abusing and committing violence against SCCF prisoners. These officers include Capt. Gary Malone, Lt. Ronald Carter, Sgt. Hamilton, and Co. Lukima.

In addition, FAM is seeking a meeting with the ADOC commissioner and state politicians to discuss ways to end the problems pervasive throughout Alabama’s prison system.