Seven Days in Solitary [3/1/2015]

by | March 1, 2015

The following roundup features noteworthy news, reports and opinions on solitary confinement from the past week that have not been covered in other Solitary Watch posts.

• Mic published an article entitled, “The Horrifying Truth of Life in Solitary Confinement From People Who Lived It.”

• According to Mother Jones, those incarcerated at Willacy County Correctional Center in Texas – the prison where there was a recent uprising – endured deplorable conditions, including the excessive use of solitary confinement. “Inmates were placed in the hole simply for requesting new shoes or food. Prisoners also reported that being in solitary drove them to hurt themselves or attempt suicide.”

• The Washington Post published an in-depth article into the conditions of confinement experienced by the alleged Boston Bomber in an article entitled, “Can life in prison be worse than death? Some Tsarnaev jurors buy phentermine legally think so.”

• A New Mexico man held in solitary confinement for several months and reportedly denied mental health treatment has settled a federal lawsuit for $2.9 million. Meanwhile, another lawsuit was filed in the state challenging the classification of an individual as member of a “security threat group,” which led to his placement in isolation.

• Discussion of a New Mexico bill that would limit the use of solitary at the state’s prisons and jails was suddenly shut down in the House Safety and Civil Affairs Committee. According to Four Corners News, “Rep. Bill Rehm, R-Albuquerque, accused a fellow committee member of being out of order and adjourned the meeting before a vote could be taken.”

• The Huffington Post published an article about the experiences of incarcerated women, particularly focusing on those placed in solitary confinement.

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