Indiana restricts prisoner property

Greetings in peace and solidarity:

The reactionary forces that control the Indiana State Prison (ISP) are continuing their abuse against prisoners housed on the D-ALS unit. Our fundamental and human right to communicate, posses and receive
information is being threatened. On September 25, 2002 the entire unit was locked-down because of an isolated fight between two knuckleheaded inmates. During the lock-down our families were denied the right to visit.

But it doesn't end there. The oppression has gone a step further. They are now implementing further repressive measures. We are told that now we can only have the following items:

  1. Five personal books or magazines
  2. No hardcover books
  3. One ink pen without casing
  4. One newspaper
  5. 15 letters
  6. Ten photos
  7. 50 sheets of writing paper
  8. 25 envelopes
  9. $20 in stamps

This measure is not about an isolated fight between two inmates–it's a retaliatory response due to outside pressure being brought against this prison by several state representatives who are disgusted with the persistent abuse being inflicted upon those confined to D-ALS.

We have brought it up to those running this prison that state law I.C. 11-11-3-6 clearly authorizes prisoners to receive books, magazines, newspapers or other periodicals as long as they come directly form a publisher, distributor, bookstore, etc. This law does not distinguish between hardback or soft-cover books. So long as they come from a publisher etc. Also, I.C. 11-11-5-4 prohibits the restriction of our reading & writing materials and visits as punitive discipline measures, unless we abuse these rights, which is not the case. We urge support to stop this crime attempting to silence progressive revolutionary voices!

Fax or Call:

Commissioner of the IDOC
Evelyn Ridley Turner
FAX (317) 232-6798
TEL (317) 232-5715

-A prisoner in Indiana, October 2002


 [About]  [Contact]  [Home]  [News]  [RAIL]  [Agitation Home]