Pelican Bay Hunger Strike Solidarity

Today, a mass HUNGER STRIKE in California has begun and is JOINED BY PRISONERS here in OHIO at the SUPERMAX in Youngstown.

To echo what Boyce D. Watkins says in his support of the strike, "Many Americans believe that the dehumanization of incarcerated individuals has nothing to do with them. But the system affects all of us, as many of our families are devastated by the epidemic of mass incarceration."

Let's fight with these courageous folks !

CALIFORNIA Prisoners want 5 CORE THINGS:
-End Group Punishment & Administrative Abuse (Stop locking down alleged gang members indefinetely)
-Abolish the Debriefing Policy, and Modify Active/Inactive Gang Status Criteria (Stop requiring people to snitch on each other)
-Comply with the US Commission on Safety and Abuse in America’s Prisons 2006 Recommendations Regarding an End to Long-Term Solitary Confinement (End torturous Long Term Solitary Confinement)
-Provide Adequate and Nutritious Food
-Expand and Provide Constructive Programming and Privileges for Indefinite SHU Status Inmates.

There are also 40 kick-ass supplemental demands here

WHAT YOU CAN DO for FOLKS in CALIFORNIA

To plan a solidarity action go here
To get involved in the July 13th Mass Mobilization, go here
To add your voice to our updated petition, click here
To learn more about the strike visit: PrisonerHungerStrikeSolidarity.wordpress.com
To take a Pledge of Resistance, go here
To donate, go here

WHAT YOU CAN DO for FOLKS in OHIO

One of the (at least) nine prisoners refusing food at Ohio State Pen, Gary Roberts, has specific demands:
-medical attention (he's being neglected)
-a reverse of recent unjust punishment (he was transferred to a higher security level which basically means he's under more lock and key than he should be.)

Call warden David Bobby at Ohio State Penitentiary at 330-743-0700 ext 2006 
Example: "Hi there I'm calling in regard to a prisoner named Gary Roberts (#388-551) whom I was informed is on a hunger strike right now. I'm calling to strongly encourage you to grant his two demands of needed medical attention and a reduction in security level. As someone who holds responsibility for prisoner rights I trust that this issue will be quickly resolved. Thank you and goodbye."