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statement on important steps forward to advance the process of closing rikers island

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Statement from gabriel sayegh, Co-Founder & Co-Executive Director, Katal Center for Health, Equity, and Justice

on Important Steps Forward to Advance the Process of Closing Rikers Island

“Today, the office of Governor Andrew Cuomo, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, and City Council Speaker Corey Johnson all affirmed the urgent need to close Rikers Island. The Mayor and City Council are rightly expediting the siting process for new facilities, and the Governor has reaffirmed his call for immediate action. They all agree, as we do, that the state must end wealth and race-based disparities in our criminal justice system. To make closure real, the Governor, Assembly, and Senate must come together and, working with community groups, create a final reform package that achieves meaningful, progressive reforms to New York’s bail, discovery, and speedy trial laws. The urgency is clear and the time for action is now. Let’s get it done.”

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