Da: "coalit"
A: "amici coalit"
Oggetto: [listacoalit] lettera di protesta contro le condizioni della Polunsky Unit
Data: martedì 11 dicembre 2001 12.39
To: Mr Gary Johnson
TDCJ
PO Box 99
Huntsville, TX 77320-0099
Fax 001 936/437.21.23
cc: Mrs Kathy Clear
Ombudsman Office Coordinator
PO Box 99
Huntsville, TX 77342
Fax 001-936 435 17 47
Warden James Zeller
Polunsky Unit
12002 FM 350 South
Livingston, TX 77351
Fax 001-936 967 84 37
From: The Italian Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty
Dear Mr. Johnson,
we have just been contacted by several DR inmates reporting the increasingly
inhumane life conditions which have been imposed on them since Warden
Zeller¹s arrival at the unit. The continuos and unjustifiable lock-downs
imposed on dr inmates as well as the restrictions too frequently applied
(like the one involving DR inmates¹ properties) often have no other purpose
than being harassments and abuse. Inmates have been living with sack meals
for weeks, have been denied showering, have been forced to reduce their own
properties in order to make them fit into two bags and are now even deprived
of items they have been allowed to purchase. On top of it all, the recent
lock down imposed after the disturbance preceeding the execution of Emerson
Rudd is an unjustifable punishment, for it was imposed consequently to one
single person¹s actions.
In addition, no respect is showed towards the inmates¹ religious belief,
when certain restrictions prevent them from following their religious
custom. As a matter of facts, there are Muslims on death row that practice
fasting during this Holy Time but who, because of lockdown, could not go to
the store and get food stored up in their cells so they could eat after sun
down. Muslims are being brought a peanut butter and jelly sandwich before
sundown. And since they are not being allowed to get commissary, that is all
they get.
Warden Zeller seems very zealous with regards to enforcing detrimental
policies and it is unanimous opinion that life conditions on DR have been
getting tragically worse after his installation at the Polunsky Unit.
Harassements and abuses from officers have been increasing, while the
general treatment and assistance to DR inmates have got below the minimum
standard of decency.
We believe a committee monitoring the officers¹ behaviour as well as DR
inmates life conditions is urgently needed and it is our sincere hope that
you will consider our request affirmatively.
Awaiting your kind reply
Respectfully yours,
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