VA Mercury: “Roughly two months after Virginia’s Department of Corrections confirmed that six inmates at Red Onion State Prison had burned themselves by tampering with electrical outlets, advocates renewed calls for an overhaul of the facility on Wednesday outside of Virginia’s Capitol, as lawmakers prepare legislation to address some of the concerns shared by people incarcerated at the prison.
The Virginia Defenders for Freedom, Justice and Equality shared statements on behalf of several prisoners, including Jason Barrett, whose account of his time in the facility included allegedly experiencing and witnessing abuse, prolonged use of solitary confinement and delayed medical care. Allegations of racism and religious discrimination have also surfaced.
“This place needs to be investigated. And if I can be of some help, I will be also,” Barrett wrote.
The Virginia Department of Corrections’ November confirmation of the inmate burnings followed months of allegations of abuse and poor living conditions at Red Onion and another facility, Wallens Ridge. “