Two of the state's human rights commissioners said recently that they are concerned about the treatment of Connecticut's prisoners in Virginia, but their refusal to disclose the findings of their recent trip to the controversial Wallens Ridge prison left inmates' family members frustrated.
Members of the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities, who spoke during their monthly meeting, declined to publicly discuss what they found in Virginia while visiting the prison more than two weeks ago.
Commission members said they would not discuss the issue until their January meeting, after they meet with Connecticut Correction Commissioner John
Armstrong.
'At this point in time, we're taking no further action,' said Amalia Vazquez Bzdyra, the commission chairwoman.
The commission's lack of action angered family members of the prisoners and prisoners'-rights activists who attended a recent meeting. They have argued that Connecticut inmates are being abused, neglected and subjected to racial taunts.
Connecticut officials sent about 500 inmates to Virginia late last year to ease prison overcrowding.  Shortly after the transfer, Connecticut inmates began accusing the Virginia prison officials of abusing them, a charge authorities there deny.
Two Connecticut inmates died this year in Wallens Ridge under questionable circumstances. Inmate David Tracy allegedly committed suicide by hanging himself. Inmate Lawrence Frazier, a diabetic, died after an apparant case of insulin shock.
Advocate Judi Walters said she is upset that the inmates continue to be asked to 'sit tight' instead of having their concerns addressed.
If the commission determines the inmates are victims of discrimination, it can end the state's contract with Virginia - a move that would force the return of the inmates. Some inmates have been returned to Connecticut and others have been transferred to another Virginia prison. About 300 are still in Wallens Ridge.
David Tracy's brother, Michael, both criticized and complimented the commission's efforts.
He questioned why the commission hasn't taken action. If the panel had intervened when it first heard complaints that officers had used rubber bullets on inmates, he said, his brother and inmate Lawrence Frazier would both be alive today. But Tracy said he believes the commission is doing a thorough job now that it has focused on Wallens Ridge.