Politics and Government
Politics and Government
Richmond delegate makes surprise visit to Red Onion, calls for more oversight
- In a fact-finding mission spurred by rumors of abuse at a Virginia supermax prison, a Richmond legislator toured the facility firsthand this week, renewing calls for oversight.
The article from Richmond.com discusses the ongoing issues at Red Onion State Prison in Virginia, where inmates have been subjected to prolonged solitary confinement, leading to significant mental health deterioration. The facility, known for its high-security measures, has been criticized for its treatment of prisoners, particularly those in solitary confinement for extended periods, some up to 28 years. The Virginia Department of Corrections has made some changes, reducing the number of inmates in solitary and implementing step-down programs to transition prisoners back into general population. However, advocates argue that these measures are insufficient, pointing out that the conditions still violate human rights. The article also mentions a lawsuit filed by inmates against the prison for these conditions, highlighting the severe psychological impact of isolation, including instances of self-harm and suicide attempts. Despite these efforts, the debate continues on how to balance security with humane treatment of inmates.
Read the Full Richmond Article at:
[ https://richmond.com/news/local/government-politics/red-onion-prison-jones/article_a5562cfc-c84e-11ef-b5a5-030eb6f8f648.html ]
Read the Full Richmond Article at:
[ https://richmond.com/news/local/government-politics/red-onion-prison-jones/article_a5562cfc-c84e-11ef-b5a5-030eb6f8f648.html ]
Contributing Sources