Federal Prisons

^{Off the album “Another Storm”
By Sinden the Poet feat: Keda Heata
Askari African Lulu Empire Production
Askari Revenge Records}

Here we’ve formulated the Team 1 movement. An anonymous and autonomous collective of lumpen dedicated to facilitating a movement that attacks living conditions, corruption, discrimination, and nepotism which permeates tekkk$a$ prisons. Team 1 is a multi-national, multi-organisational collective. Team One’s ‘15 Point Program’ is listed below. (It has been edited for security reasons.)

1. We want an immediate end to long-term and indefinite isolated confinement in Restrictive Housing. This is in accordance with the U.S. Constitution’s 8th Amendment which outlines cruel and unusual punishment, as well as the international standards of imprisonment set by the United Nations’ ‘Mandela Rules’, which outlawed confinement for 22 or more hours a day for over 14 consecutive days.

2. We want a housing environment and living conditions fit for human beings while housed in RHU. Namely we want less restricted movement (group rec), OTS/state phones accessible to prisoners in RHU without officer escort, televisions visable to level one RHU which will act as positive re-enforcement for the psychological well-being of prisoners and the social productivity of the communities which we will return to.

3. We want the Texas Parole Board and state classification to adhere to the sanctioned letter of the law regarding prisoners serving stacked sentences, namely (Michael Lane VS. Director of TDCJ-CID 2019 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 26319) which ruled that an inmate serving stacked sentences begins her/his subsequent sentence when s/he would have been eligible for parole, not when they’ve been granted parole. We are seeking an executive order from Governor Abbot on this issue so that many inmates will now be eligible for parole and released. This is to quell the furtherance of the COVID-19 within the over-populated Texas prison system.

4. We want retroactive legislation and an executive order that mandates the parole board recognize good conduct time, work time, and flat time credit for 3-G (Agg) sentences/offenders: This will make many prisoners eligible for parole and allow for a mass de-carceration, which will help contain this spread of COVID-19 virus within Texas Prison System where people are helpless to protect themselves from the effects of COVID-19.

5. We want retroactive legislation and an executive order that mandates parole eligibility for (all) Texas Prisoners, including those currently serving life w/o parole, we want the requirements for the eligibility of parole reduced for all prisoners currently serving under the 1/2 (50%) law from that 50% minimum flat time before parole eligibility to that of serving 1/4 (25%) before parole eligibility.

6. In response to the current COVID-19 pandemic we want an executive order mandate in the immediate release of all prisoners who’re within one year of their discharge date.

7. We want retroactive legislation and an executive order which mandates mandatory short-way for all first time prisoners with satisfactory disciplinary records, which reflect an effort at rehabilitation. We want identical retroactive legislation should be passed for all youthful offenders (those between the ages of 13-25 at the time of the commission of their offense).

8. We want an immediate improvement to the food trays prisoners are provided. This is accordance with (Keenan V. Hall, 83 F.3d at 10911 - “Prison food must be adequate to maintain health”), Morales Feliciano V. Calderon Sierra 300 F.Sup.2d 327-341 (DPr 2004) says failure to provide prescribed diets implicates 8th Amend. right violation…

9. We want food which is edible, (Hot);

10. We want a recantation of the unconstitutional Board Policy enacted March 1st 2020 which prohibits or otherwise restricts who may send inmates funds.

11. We want the administration to institute an act of mediation in the event prisoners receive outside mail, novelty cards, postcards, flyers, cutouts etc, all those items deemed impermissible by the new mail room policy enacted March 1st, 2020. We ask that the mailroom be made to photocopy the contents of cards, postcards, flyers, cut-outs etc, which will negate the said ‘security risk’ while still allowing inmates contact with the outside world. Furthermore, prison sensitive tablets may be a logical recourse if made available to prisoners.

12. We want the re-instatement of current/former prisoners’ right to vote in Texas.

13. We want all prisoners to be paid for their labor; via monetary funds and/or work time credits which go towards parole eligibility.

14. We want an immediate end to, and a federal investigation into the retaliatory, racial profiling of prisoners in TDCJ, namely the ______ Unit; The administration, Office of Inspector General, Gang Investigators, routinely falsify State documents, by falsely labeling prisoners as “Gang” or “STG” members without due process of law or meeting the burden of proof. Furthermore, they actively seek legal prosecution on purposely trumped up charges on innocent prisoners in order to coerce inmates to give false testimony on other prisoners, thereby putting their lives and safety in danger. This is a reoccurring problem involving the ______ unit Safe Prisons, OIG, and GI and condone by head Warden ______ and local ______ County district attorney.

15. We want the legislators to pass the bill filed by House of Representative District 139, Jarvis Johnson in the legislative session of 2019; this bill will establish an independent Ombudsman that will be independent from TDCJ. This agency will ensure that prisoners constitutional and human rights are met by TDCJ officers and officials.

While we struggle actively to bring this program into fruition the activities which will bring that about will simultaneously (A) elevate the class consciousness of the masses of lumpen through activity and (B) carry us to the next stage of development or at very least entrench us more within the current stage - (Stage (2))

As of now we are attempting to spread this ‘15 Point Program’ far & wide to comrades inside and those outside, in order to garner support for mass direct action approaching on the anniversary of George Jackson’s death - through the anniversary of the Attica rebellion.

MIM,

I’m writing to inform you that I wrote you a few days ago to request 1) map of the world & 2) You, Prison Officials and Contract Law. I sent 6 stamps to cover postage. Today I was notified that I was in violation of B.P.-03-91 Uniform Offender Correspondence Rules, and stamps cannot be used in a monetary value to purchase merchandise. So TDCJ stole the stamps. I’m sending you the contraband form so if you get time you can appeal it. Also, it should be posted on your website.

How is this a security threat? What it is is a human rights violation to not allow someone to educate themselves. I’ve sent out stamps before in the past. They are enforcing this B.P. 3.91 because I wrote a grievance on mail room because 2 of my packages I sent out did not ever make it to its destination. So, since I’ve sent stamps before no problem, this here is exactly that retaliation. They do not care about policy when inmates need respite because of deadly HEAT or when an inmate needs to go to medical because of CHEST PAIN! I could go on & on… the Red Army crossed many bridges during the long march even though there was overwhelming opposition, so I will struggle on. Even though the odds are against me, I will struggle on.

MIM(Prisons) responds: We’ve received a few notices of this problem from Texas recently. Unfortunately, the only way you can send us funds right now is cash, stamps or cryptocurrency. We do appreciate and make good use of any funds comrades can send.

We agree that these petty laws are used to target and discourage people. Sometimes they’re just used randomly with the effect of creating a sense of hopelessness. So we commend this comrade for keeping on and not being discouraged. There are many hard roads ahead, where patience and diligence will be much-needed skills.

Hello, I am currently incarcerated by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice at the Wayne Scott Unit. I received a copy Under Lock & Key Spring 2020, No. 70. I want to thank you for sharing it. There was some pretty interesting articles.

I want to refer to the article on pg. 20, “Feds threatening First Amendment with New Policies” written by a Federal prisoner. We have new changes to our correspondence too, it started 1 March 2020.

Since it has started I have been called 3 times to the mail room for denied correspondence, 2 cases where my mail was in a pink envelope, the other was my niece had drawn me a picture with crayon.

Before this change I been telling everyone I believe they can’t do this or it won’t last. I’m enclosing our new notice of changes to correspondence rules. I want to know what us as inmates can do? or what we can have our families do. I would like to receive any updated articles. Thank you for your time.

I am enclosing a memo distributed to the captive population in response to the uprisings by the Americans’ oppressed New Afrikan population. It is claimed that their actions are not punitive, but of course that is clearly not the case. There is evident fear of the latent power of their oppressed nationalities confined within their prisons, as can be noted at the end of the first paragraph.

“As you are aware our Nation is facing difficult times as emotions run high and peaceful protests have turned into violently charged demonstrations. In an effort to maintain the safety and security of the institution, a lock down has been initiated. This lock down is not punitive. … However, we are committed to preventing any type of disruption from occurring, and I strongly emphasize any type of violent behavior will never be accepted or tolerated at this facility.”

MIM(Prisons) adds: This action by the federal government reveals the level of fear that they have right now of the oppressed nations and the youth in general in this country. Prison officials display the same hypocrisy as the police on the streets who have responded to peaceful demonstrations again and again with violence against people for exhibiting their First Amendment rights. Young people are coming home from protests permanently disabled. While thousands are being locked up.

As statistics on police murders and violence are gaining interest, we must ask what about the “peace officers” behind bars? How many have they killed? How many Black men are dying at the hands of the state where cell phone cameras are illegal? Where peaceful protests always face repression and there’s no videos to post online?

[Text of a Grievance Form to the Michigan Department of Corrections]

I am coming to you because I am experiencing discrimination, retaliation, and cruel and unusual punishment here at your Facility. These violations of my constitutionally protected rights revolves around me exercising my First Amendment right to peacefully assemble and seek redress from the prison by engaging in a hunger strike pursuant to Policy Directive 04.06.120 “Hunger Strike”.

On June 11, 2020, A/Sgt. Larson informed me that he has orders to conduct a strip search on my person and to move me to observation cell #1-144 under the authority of A/ADW S. Niemi. I voiced my complaint to A/Sgt Larson that moving me to an observation cell has no merit because I am already being strictly monitored and closely observed every 15 minutes by a qualified “prisoner of assistance” (POA) per the likes of A/warden K.Taskila. I then went on to state that nowhere in Policy Directive 04.06.120 “Hunger Strike” does it state that a prisoner engaging in a hunger strike shall be placed in an observation cell. With this being duly noted, I told A/Sgt Larson that I am being specifically discriminated against and unfairly singled out for exercising my First Amendment Right to peacefully assemble and seek redress from the prison by engaging in a hunger strike pursuant to Policy Directive 04.06.120 because no one else who has ever engaged in such activities were forced to submit to the type of punishment that I am being forced to endure simply for exercising my rights. A/Sgt Larson stated in response: “I know, but at the end of the day, I still have a job to do and orders to follow if I want to keep my job.” I stated to A/Sgt Larson that I will not comply with the orders given by A/ADW S. Niemi until I’ve had a chance to speak with A/ADW S. Niemi in person. At this time, A/Sgt Larson stated “okay” and walked away from my cell door.

Approximately 15 minutes later, a member of the Emergency Response Team (ERT) showed up to my cell door dressed in full tactical gear to warn me through intimidation that his team is authorized by Deputy Warden D. Peterson to deploy the use of chemical agent against my being in order to make me comply with the orders that were given by A/ADW S. Niemi. I stated to this member of the ERT that I comply with the orders given by A/ADW S. Niemi only if I am afforded the opportunity to speak with him in person first. I then went on to reiterate that moving me to an observation cell simply has no merit because I am already being strictly monitored and closely observed every 15 minutes by a qualified POA per the likes of A/warden K. Taskila. I also voiced my complaint that forcing me to strip search also has no merit because it is not directly related to any legitimate penological interests nor does my behavior warrant any suspicions. I stated to this member of the ERT that forcing me to strip search in front of a bunch of men is excessive and is strictly intended to harass, intimidate, and punish me for exercising my First Amendment right to peacefully assemble and seek redress from the Prison by engaging in a hunger strike pursuant to Policy Directive 04.06.120 “Hunger Strike”. Additionally, I state that the orders given by Deputy Warden D. Peterson to deploy the use of chemical agent against my being to make me comply to A/ADW S. Niemi’s orders is an act retaliation, excessive force, and discrimination because no one else who has ever exercised their First Amendment right to hunger Strike has been forced to endure the humiliation of being forced to strip search without cause and forced to move to an observation cell with extreme lighting to disrupt sleep patterns and without any electrical outlets to watch television. The member of the ERT stated that he agrees with me that I am being punished but he doesn’t have the authority nor the rank to override the orders of his superiors. I ended our conversation by stating that I would like to speak with A/ADW S. Niemi and Deputy Warden D. Peterson in person as they are both the issuing parties of these discriminatory and retaliatory orders. The ERT member stated “okay” and walked away from my cell door.

Approximately 15 minutes later, a group of ERT members, accompanied by the presence of A/Sgt Larson, showed up to my door and stated that they are authorized to deploy the use of chemical agent against my person if I do not comply with the orders given by A/ADW S. Niemi. I told A/Sgt Larson and the members of the ERT that I will not comply with the orders to strip search unlawfully and move to an observation cell until I am afforded the opportunity to speak with A/ADW S. Niemi and Deputy Warden D. Peterson. As I began to reiterate all of my complaints of retaliation, discrimination, and cruel and unusual punishment, A/Sgt Larson acted with excessive force by deploying two (2) rounds of chemical agent against my person. As the chemical agent overwhelmed my ability to breath, I had no other option but to submit to the humiliating and groundless strip search in order to leave the saturated confines of my cell and reach fresh air.

After I was forcefully removed from my cell (1-129) and placed in a restraint chair (even though I was not showing any signs of aggression), I was taken to the nursing station to be evaluated by a medical professional. The evaluation only consisted of checking my vitals, nothing more. I was then placed in an observation cell (1-144) without being given any access to a proper eye washing station to clean the chemical agent out of my eyes. I was also denied the opportunity to take a shower by the medical professional, members of the Emergency Response Team, and A/Sgt Larson alike; which hindered my ability to properly remove the chemical agent from my skin. Due to the deliberate denial of treatment in this matter, I was forced to endure the adverse effects of lingering particles of chemical agent in my eyes and on my skin which continued to inflict me with pain up to two (2) days after the incident took place.

I am now being forced to dwell in an observation cell which has no power outlets whit obstructs my ability to watch television, and which is constantly illuminated which disrupts my sleeping patterns overall. Nowhere in Policy Directive 04.06.120 “Hunger Strike” does it state that a prisoner shell be placed in an observation cell while he is engaging in a hunger strike (Policy Directive 04.06.120 is attached and marked as Exhibit A). Nor does it state that a prisoner engaged in a hunger strike shall submit to a strip search that doesn’t serve a legitimate penological interest. Therefore, the orders given by A/ADW S. Niemi and Deputy Warden D. Peterson were strictly intended to maliciously and sadistically cause harm.

[… the grievance goes on to state specific claims of the violations of this prisoner’s rights, asks for relevant video documentation and requests that staff involved be punished, that the prisoner be transferred for fear of retaliation and that he be awarded financial compensation.]

Greetings Comrades,

The dungeon known as the Virginia Beach Correction Ctr. is in violation(s) of the U.S. Constitution on a daily basis. “Sensory deprivation” is great. The double-bulbed 17 fluorescent lights are cut on at 3 AM and remain until 11 PM. This is certainly not healthy for any human, especially for someone as myself who has Aspergers’ and is battling dementia. Mostly after 11 PM the slamming of doors to this pod constantly occurs until the lights are turned on. Deliberate actions to antagonize, irritate, and exercise and flaunt power dynamics. There is no natural light coming into the pod.

Any complaints result only in the antagonization of the situation. The food is not fit for human consumption, is served on old plastic sometimes waterlogged trays and cold pretty much all of the time. Drinking water smells of mildew. Medical services are a plain joke – all about the $10 co-pay.

“Humans” are being forced to sleep on the dirty floor. Being denied free exercise of religion – no kosher diet or kosher items in canteen.

The Commonwealth attorney’s office is a “bully” holding charges over one’s head until they are to taking a plea deal. The public defenders are a part of the charade. The grievance process has virtually been eliminated. Last but not least from time to time all communication with the outside world is cut off. Thank you.

Remain strong in the struggle.

On 24 May 2020, the Republic of Aztlán (ROA) participated in the action at Lompoc Federal Correctional Institution that was organized by the families of prisoners. There was over a hundred people in attendance and everyone was fired up about this concentration kkkamp that holds their loved ones. The ROA came to support the families and to add our resistance to the pot.

Lompoc has the highest cases of COVID in the U.S. federal prison system. The main organizer’s own husband just got tested positive for COVID. So this is ground zero for the prison epidemic in the United $nakes. For this reason the ROA felt it important to go.

Upon arrival we noticed that the prison pigs were out in force. Lined up at the gates with cars parked as if someone may try to drive through the gates. They were definitely ready. The families were chanting slogans such as “Let them go” and “No justice no peace” …people were in overall good spirits. So it was very good to see that our energy injected a fire into the bunch. We soon had the mostly Chican@ families chanting “Free Aztlán!” with bullhorns and “Lompoc is a concentration kkkamp!”

Meanwhile we agitated the pigs with a bullhorn in front of the families by yelling things like “You’re a modern day Nazi!” and “Pigs are occupiers and terrorists!” They were very taken by surprise by how we addressed them and how the crowd cheered as we all got fired up really quick.

The ROA also used this opportunity to pass out leaflets of our Ten Point Program. We are a Revolutionary Cadre Organization that sees itself as an embryonic Provisional Government. We are a Government in waiting for the Chican@ Nation. Once a civil war pops off the ROA will be organized to step in and seize power for Aztlán. Raza, we need to organize on a bigger scale and transform our Lumpen organizations to see a bigger goal. Fuck controlling blocks, cities or states we should be organizing to gain independence and run a Peoples Government.

The ROA is here to politicize and prepare our raza for self determination in the truest sense. All power to the raza who sacrifice to take it!

2 June 2020 - Hello Brothers and Sisters en La Lucha! Much has happened since my last letter.

On April 30th my CPAP was returned, but only after I agreed to be moved to a single cell. This being said, the fight isn’t over. Of all the CPAP/BiPaps confiscated mine is only the 2nd one returned to date. As a result, my family received a phone call from Mary Donovan, there have been many lawsuits filed on CDCR because of the Gestapo-like tactics with which they confiscated our DME’s (Durable Medical Equipment), which is lawful.

On 22 May 2020, I was finally called for an interview on my Health Care 602 I filed on April 10th when they confiscated our CPAP’s/BiPaps and still to date have not had it returned to me at the first level? They seem to be purposefully delaying it to fit their agenda. So, we continue to fight, til everyone gets their CPAPs/BiPaps and nebulizers returned.

In addition, i have initiated a MIM Grievance Campaign on CDCR due to the CPAP’s confiscation (H.C. 602 tracking #CMF HC 20000538). Thank you for all the support!

On another note, I want to extend our support to everyone out there, we stand with everyone in solidarity with those protesting police brutality. La Lucha Sigue! Inside-Outside-One Side!

MIM(Prisons) adds: In addition to the organizing this comrade describes above, on 11 May 2020, comrades in Anti-Imperialist Prisoner Support participated in a phone zap campaign to demand that California Medical Facility return these medical devices.

Revolutionary Greetings,

The COVID-19 coronavirus first appeared in late-March here when a guard was first reported as testing positive. By mid-April things started getting completely out of order here. The trays started coming erratically and became super shitty. The kitchen was basically shut down and the food quality became very poor and there was hardly anything on the trays. By the beginning of May we maxed out with 967 prisoners testing positive (Cummins unit houses about 1800), 51 guards and 9 dead (all prisoners).

The ACLU and the NAACP have helped prisoners file a class action lawsuit against Warden Culdager for her failure to act in a proper and timely manner in not quarantining prisoners correctly. Out of all their policies and rules either they had no contingency plan for something like this or they failed at following through with it. Everything has gotten mostly back to normal except the kitchen still seems to be milking the situation for all it’s worth. The trays are still horrible and missing a significant amount of calories and nutrients we are used to getting. Thankfully, I ducked and dodged the coronavirus all the way to the present, but no thanks to the warden.

In Struggle.