Soja on Hunger Strike Against Continued Torture and Retaliation

Cornelius "Soja" Harris, the supermax prisoner who endured multiple extended hunger strikes early in 2013 is again refusing food. Harris requested a transfer to a safer facility, where he wouldn't be targeted for retaliation by staff, as he had been at OSP for years. The prison administration refused to transfer him in-state, but approved a transfer to a prison in Maryland. Harris initially accepted the transfer, but requested more information about the prison he'd be going to, what conditions were like and whether or not he'd be on 23 hour a day solitary confinement as is the case for prisoners at OSP. 

Sean Swain v ManCI Administrators, Round ???

Excerpt from recent letter by Sean Swain:

"Good news: Jesse Williams, North Regional Director of the ODRC, who authorized the illegal monitoring of my mail, has been fired. Warden Terry Tibbals was relieved as ManCI Warden yesterday (the guy who requested the illegal monitoring).
News break: in post escape investigation, it was found that $130,000 is missing from the ManCI budget. The OSHP sought maintenance supervisor Jim Miracle for questioning. At his house they found the trailer for a missing gator (golfcart vehicle) from ManCI. Miracle is M.I.A.
A few days later, Major Ralph Harr was arrested, scapegoated by Warden Tibbals. To save his own ass, Harr turned over on Tibbals. I'm certain that Harr will be an awesome witness when this goes to trial.
Lt Dahlby is gone from R.I.B. Re- assigned.
See that in the rearview mirror? That's a pile of corpses, the careers of fascists.
We did that."

More about Sean Swain...

* Two Nights, Two Events, Both Examining the Role of
Police & Prison in America *
Join Insurgent Theatre for one night of theatre and another for film.

Night #1, THEATRE: KNOW YOUR ENEMY
Insurgent Theatre's newest play examines the role of police using stripped down interactive
 theater, critical understanding of history and the power of silent refusal.
Know your history, 

Know your rights, 

Know your enemy.
Where: The Garden Theatre, 1187 N High St
When: Wed, August 28th, 7pm, $8
Web: http://insurgenttheatre.org/acab/acab.html
* * *

Night #2, FILM: THE SHADDOW OF LUCASVILLE
This new documentary revisits the 1993 prisoner uprising that took place right here in Ohio-- one of the longest uprisings in US history.
 Want to know what the deal is with mass incarceration? 

Or what happens on Death Row.

Well, we'll be discussing it here.
Where: Sporeprint Infoshop, 979 E 5th Ave.
When: Aug 29th // 7pm // Sliding Scale Donation

Web Trailer: http://youtu.be/WJHOU2st_mk
+ People will also have a chance to hear death-sentenced survivors of the uprising call in from Ohio's super-max prison to answer questions.
* * *

 Hope to see you there!

-RedBird

###

Prisoner Art Show in Columbus !!

Join us in celebrating the creativity of Ohio prisoners at the lovely It-Looks-Like-It's-Open gallery on September 20th. 

 

+ Art is up for bids in a silent auction.

+ Looking is free and prints are cheap! 

+ There will be music!
+ You'll have a chance to hear from an artist over the phone! 

+ Come take a look and enjoy some food, water, wine, coffee and good company.

Date: Friday, September 20th
Venue: It Looks Like It's Open
Address: 13 E Tulane
Time: 6pm-10pm

Cost: $5 sliding scale donation
Website: http://www.redbirdprisonabolition.org/

MORE ABOUT REDBIRD PRISON ABOLITION:
We are a group of people in Columbus Ohio who want to see the prison system come to an end. RedBird supports prisoners through publishing their writing, setting up pen pals, hosting events and raising awareness. Our activities are guided by correspondence with incarcerated people because prison abolition ought to begin with the needs of those most directly affected by the system.
Visit our website at redbirdprisonabolition.org // Got questions? Call Wes at 513.687.4747

Billy Slagle's Death

Posted by Ben Turk-

On August 5th, death-sentenced prisoner Billy Slagle was found dead in his cell. I met one of his lawyers, Vicki Werneke, because she is also representing George Skatzes from the Lucasville Uprising. She wrote this piece about representing Billy.

Two things go through my head after reading it. First, how many different ways the State of Ohio is an uncaring, stupid and clumsly beast. Second, how little of the story the mainstream media deem worthy of telling. How anyone can still believe in either of these corrupt and terrible institutions boggles my mind and turns my stomach.

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."

Artwork from Prisoners

We've been regularely receiving artwork from prisoners and will be hosting a Third Prisoner Art Show in September. You'll be able to see pieces like these and many, many more.

by J Lockhart

close up

by Chris Shira

Andiamo by Sal Salerno

Knot by L Dillon

Stamped print of a cardinal by Sal Salerno