The Chicago Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression (CAARPR), a prominent prisoner advocacy group with a 50-year history, is now actively advocating for change within the Federal Correctional Institution, Terre Haute (FCI Terre Haute).
CAARPR is primarily concerned about the treatment of Anthony Gay, a prisoner who recently transferred to the Terre Haute facility and has been in the federal prison system since May 2022.
Gay’s situation has raised alarm among advocates, particularly CAARPR’s executive director, Frank Chapman, who stated during a News 10 interview that Gay struggles with various mental health issues. Chapman emphasizes that these mental health problems were only induced and made worse by his extended periods of solitary confinement.
In Illinois, Gay had endured 22 years of solitary confinement, and his recent move to FCI Terre Haute, where he faces continuous lockdowns, is a source of great concern for Chapman.
Chapman points out that the constant lockdowns in Terre Haute are akin to solitary confinement and effectively cut off Gay’s access to essential resources needed for his well-being. He deems this treatment cruel and inhumane, emphasizing that it violates the United States Constitution.
In response to CAARPR’s concerns, FCI Terre Haute provided an explanation of their lockdown procedures. The prison asserts that lockdowns are primarily temporary and are implemented to ensure the safety of both inmates and staff. During lockdowns, inmates still have access to crucial services such as medical care, contact with their families, and communication with their legal team.
Despite the prison’s explanation, Chapman and CAARPR view this treatment as unjust. They are now calling for an investigation into the facility to end practices like lockdowns and solitary confinement that they believe are inhumane and unfair.
Chapman emphasized that no human being should be subjected to such conditions.
Source: https://www.wthitv.com/news/no-human-being-should-be-treated-like-this-prisoner-advocacy-group-calls-for-change-at/article_879853fe-79b0-11ee-88e4-d37c8a24f710.html