Family Members & Supporters of Hunger Strikers Rally in front of CDCR

October 5, 2011

Family members and supporters of prisoners on strike throughout California held a spirited demonstration outside California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) headquarters as the strike entered its 10th day.

Over 1,200 prisoners continue to refuse food in an effort to force the CDCR to address their five core demands, in particular those related to long term solitary confinement, gang validation, debriefing and group punishment. Over the course of the last week, nearly 12,000 prisoners participated in the strike from thirteen California prisons, as well as California prisoners housed out of state in Mississippi, Arizona and Oklahoma, making it one of the largest prisoner hunger strikes in US history

The main chant outside the CDCR building summarized the group’s position: “Prisoners Are Human Beings, Meet the Five Demands!” The five core demands of prison hunger strikers are:


1. End Administrative Abuse & Group Punishment

2. Abolish the Debriefing Policy and Modify Gang Status Criteria

3. End Long-Term Solitary Confinement

4. Provide Adequate Food

5. Expand and Provide Constructive Programming and Privileges


Speakers provided updates on recent hunger strike developments, as the CDCR increases its repressive tactics in an attempt to break the historic strike. Attorney Carol Strickland described the CDCR’s retaliation against hunger strikers, including denying attorney visits and barring the prisoner’s legal and mediation team. The CDCR has also targeted Carol Strickman and attorney Marilyn McMahon. Both lawyers have been barred from prisoners pending “investigation” under the absurd claim that they are inciting a “mass disturbance.” Family members also spoke of being denied visits of their loved ones as the CDCR, in an effort to further isolate the hunger strikers, has now barred all family visits.

In addition to condemning the injustices at Pelican Bay and other CDCR facilities, speakers repeatedly emphasized the courage of the hunger strikers and the inspiration they are providing for people in and outside of the walls. The day ended with a brief assembly to discuss next steps in what promises to be an intense and protracted struggle against inhumane incarceration in particular and state repression overall. Despite the CDCR’s retaliation on hunger strikers and their families, prisoners, their families & community members continue to struggle to win the prisoners’ demands.

Prisoner Hunger Strike Solidarity
http://www.prisonerhungerstrikesolidarity.wordpress.com
510-444-0484