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| VA DOC: Alleged Hunger Strike at Red Onion State Prison |
| By Virginia Department of Corrections |
| Published: 05/26/2012 |
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RICHMOND – Virginia Department of Corrections (VADOC) Director Harold Clarke released the following statement today: “On Tuesday, May 22nd, the Department of Corrections was made aware of a proposed hunger strike by inmates at Red Onion State Prison (ROSP). The announcement from VA Solidarity stated that as many as 45 offenders would be involved. As of Tuesday morning there were 15 inmates who refused their morning meal, however we have no notification of a hunger strike from any inmate at ROSP. “Under our policy we recognize a hunger strike if the offender declares such either verbally or in writing and/or after the offender’s ninth consecutive missed meal. Once a hunger strike is confirmed, we begin evaluation and monitoring by Qualified Mental Health Professionals (QMHP) and medical staff. “As of lunch time Thursday, May 24th, we are able to confirm there are only 11 offenders that continue to refuse most meals since Tuesday morning breakfast. This evening’s meal will make 9 meals missed by 10 of the offenders and 8 meals missed by 1 offender. None of these offenders have declared that they are on a hunger strike. We continue to monitor the situation. “ROSP is a secure facility that houses Virginia’s most dangerous inmates. ROSP has always operated constitutionally and has protected the 8th amendment rights of all offenders. The facility is operated as similar facilities in other states, including the Federal Bureau of Prisons. ROSP has been accredited by the American Correctional Association since 2000 and has been recognized for meeting national correctional standards.” |
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I have always believed that if you do the crime, then you do the time. That was until I became more familiar with VaDOC than I ever wanted to. The VaDOC has NO intention or inclination to reform or even TRY to assimilate inmates back into society. It is a SAD commentary on this society that the VaDOC has absolutely NO desire to do anything but ISOLATE inmates from the society that eventually the inmates will be released into. SHAME ON YOU VADOC