Covid19 spread in prisons/jails is a disaster happening across the country. Sickness, fear, death. Already in some places and only just beginning in others. We need action now! @hrw report on the danger 1/11 hrw.org/news/2020/04/2…
@hrw report establishes baseline standard: Reduce population to allow 1) social distancing (6ft) at all times 2) non-punitive isolation/quarantine for sick and exposed 3) proper medical care 2/11
International human rights law protects the right of everyone to the highest attainable standard of health—including incarcerated people. Law aside, human decency requires it. 3/11
Gov officials have the power to act to reach this baseline standard of jail/prison conditions and population. Those that fail to act or drag feet are complicit in spread of disease and death. 4/11
State Govs can grant clemency, commutations, pardons or simply order corrections departments to reduce prison populations or take other steps to ensure safety within prisons. Symbolic gestures don’t count—need large scale release. 5/11
Prison admin/parole boards can speed release process, let vulnerable people/those nearing end of sentence go, grant early parole. Releasing people protects them, prison staff and surrounding communities. 6/11
Judges can grant OR release, sentence to no jail, reduce bail to $0 for those held already, postpone out of custody cases/speed up in-custody cases, dismiss charges, agree to diversions. Judges—lives are in your hands. 7/11
DAs can decline to prosecute, agree to OR release, offer no jail deals. Stop dragging their feet on releasing people. Public safety includes public health. 8/11
Police can limit arrests to people who present imminent threat of harm, can stop enforcing public order crimes, like drugs, sex work and laws that criminalize poverty. Lowering police footprint makes everyone healthier. 9/11
Local/federal government can house homeless, provide health care, improve sanitation facilities, provide food assistance, suspend evictions and mortgage payments, provide income supports and keep people out of jail. 10/11
C19 is hammering poor communities, Black and Brown communities, people in jails and prisons. Those with power to act who do not (judges, prosecutors, police, governors, etc.) will be remembered in history as villains. 11/11
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