| We have to protect Rashid because he fights for all of us. –Shupavu wa Kirima, a leader of Rashid’s outside support) |
Kevin “Rashid” Johnson has been leading a Hunger Strike inside Red Onion State Prison since December 26th. Rashid began leading a group of several other prisoners in the strike to protest the prison’s use of solitary confinement inside – now 30-some prisoners are striking.
None of the participants in the strike will accept any food until their demands are met. Read their Demand Letter Here. Their lives are on the line.
We received an update from Rashid’s supporters on the outside this morning:
1. They (prison officials) have completely removed the phone from back in the medical wing to prevent strikers from calling out to update us on the strike.
2. Rashid is still striking and was rushed to the hospital again over the weekend but has since been returned to the medical wing.
3. They have him in a strip cell on “suicide watch” with a guard posted out front watching him. I want to be very clear about this part. Rashid WILL NOT hurt himself. They are only doing this to intimidate/antagonize him.
4. He is being held in a cell with NO access to running water. His only source of water is the toilet.
Phone calls and emails should continue!
The Phone Zap will show the Virginia Department of Corrections that we are standing in solidarity with our comrades on the inside. We won’t stand by while Rashid suffers from medical neglect and is prevented from contacting his loved ones! Public action will show the prison’s administration that there is support for the hunger strike from outside the prison walls.
Sample script:
I am calling in support of the hunger strikers at Red Onion State Prison. I am concerned about the serious health effects of long-term solitary confinement and other illegal and brutal methods of confinement including sensory deprivation. Please end the use of these practices. I am also seriously concerned for the health of Kevin “Rashid” Johnson, as he is being prevented from accessing care for his health conditions, and has no running water in his cell. Please move him back to Sussex I and near a major medical facility so that he can resume cancer and cardiac treatment. Thank you.
The contact info is as follows:
VADOC Director, Chadwick S Dotson *NEW NUMBER*
Phone: (804) 674-3000 (then hit “0” for staff)
Email: Chadwick.Dotson@vadoc.virginia.gov
VADOC Interstate Compact Liaison, Kyle Rosch
Phone: (804) 887-8404
Email: kyle.rosch@vadoc.virginia.gov
VADOC, Chief of Corrections Operations, David Robinson
Phone: (804) 887-8078
Email: david.robinson@vadoc.virginia.gov
Governor of Virginia, Glenn Youngkin
Phone: (804) 786-2211
Email: glenn.youngkin@governor.virginia.gov
Prison Radio supporters have expressed solidarity with the strikers by contacting the VADOC:
I am writing with the gravest concern about Mr Johnson’s condition – health and general environment. I am horrified that he could under any circumstance be relocated away from his medical treatment, and kept in isolation from necessary social contact. As a psychiatrist, I am shocked that a human being could be treated in this way, especially given his demonstrated humanity and his contributions to justice for all.
Sincerely,
Dr. James Deutsch
University of Toronto
Join them today and make your voice heard! Thank you for answering this urgent call.
Wisconsin Bail Out the People Movement 
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