FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, October 31, 2022
Contact: Yonah Zeitz, yonah@katalcenter.org | (347) 201-2769
Follow on Twitter @KatalCenter | #CutShutInvestNY
The Crisis on Rikers Continues– Another Person Dies at Notorious Jail Complex, the 18th This Year and Second in the Last 10 Days
Community Groups Demand Mayor Adams Cut the Number of People Detained at Rikers and Shut Down the Jail Now
New York, NY: This afternoon, the news broke that yet another incarcerated person died at the Rikers Island Jail Complex. This is the second death in the last 10 days and the 18th death of an incarcerated person on Rikers this year.
Statement from Kaeshalee Vega, Member of the Katal Center for Equity, Health, and Justice.
“Every time I get the news that another person has passed away at Rikers my first thought is I hope it’s not him. Today somebody’s son died at the hands of Mayor Eric Adams. This is the 18th person to pass away at the Rikers Island Jail Complex this year. I am incredibly concerned and overwhelmed by everything happening at Rikers Island. My friend should not be there right now, but he was denied bail because our Mayor and the legal system do not care about poor Black and brown families. Every day that he is held at Rikers is another day that his life is at stake. He is constantly telling me about the horrifying conditions on the island. He has told me that the shower rooms are inadequate and people have to stand on garbage bags while they shower so that their feet don’t get cut by the broken tiles. The food is unhealthy, and they are running low on clothing supply. This means that the incarcerated individuals have to wear used clothing or clothing that does not fit right. My friend has been a victim of brutality by correctional officers. Many of the correctional officers at Rikers are corrupt and intentionally mess with incarcerated people’s family visits. It’s cruel. Earlier this year, I tried to visit my friend and ended up waiting all day outside Rikers to see him, and they did not let me in. Visits from friends and families are an integral part of maintaining and boosting our loved one’s mental health. Our communities deserve better. Mayor Eric Adams you owe it to us. It is time to CUT the jail population at Riker’s Island. It is time to SHUT down Rikers Island Now!”
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