Prison Struggle
No More Prisons Demo 10/8, HMP Styal, for International Prisoner Justice day
International Prisoner Justice Day is held every year on August 10th. This year in the UK there has been a call by the 'No More Prison' campaign for a demo outside the notorious prison for women, HMP Styal, Cheshire, to show solidarity with the women locked up inside and to remember those who have died in women's prisons all over the country. It will also be a tribute to the recently deceased Pauline Campbell, whose only daughter, Sarah, died in Styal prison. Pauline campaigned fearlessly against deaths in women's prisons as well as advocating the closure of all women's prisons. The demo will start at 1pm outside the gates of the prison.
10 August Demo PDF flyer - Version 2
If you would like to get involved please contact: Pikiebub2000@yahoo.co.uk
Supported by:
Fight Racism! Fight Imperialism!
Campaign Against Prison Slavery
What is The Purpose of Prisoner's Justice Day?:
General consensus on the purpose of Prisoner's Justice Day is that it is a day of mourning, remembrance, advocacy and protest. It is a day when prisoner's have the opportunity to mourn the death of fellow prisoner's often referred to as, "brothers" and "sisters" who lost their lives while serving their sentences. It is a day when prisoner's and prisoner advocates can give a voice to some of the stories of injustice and human rights abuses that occur within the prison system.
Some of the issues that are advocated for include access to proper heath care, fair legal representation behind prison walls and standing up against the inhumane conditions of segregated cells, often referred to as Special Handling Units, where prisoners are placed when discipline problems prevent them from being incarcerated in maximum security.
What started as a one time event behind the walls of Millhaven Prison, Canada, has become an international day of solidarity. On this day, August 10th, prisoners around the world fast, refuse to work, and remain in their cells while those of us on the outside organize to show our solidarity with those struggling behind the bars, to show that they are not forgotten and to draw attention to the conditions inside prisons.
What Tragic Events Lead to the Inception of Prisoner's Justice Day?
Many stories of hope, courage and determination have difficult and even tragic circumstances as a starting point. Prisoner's Justice Day is no exception. The deaths of Edward Nalon on August 10th 1974 and the subsequent death of Robert Landers in May of 1976, both occurring in the segregation unit of Millhaven Prison, seem to have been the catalyst for Prisoner's Justice Day. The stories of their deaths, point to extreme apathy, indifference, negligence, and inhumanity on the part of the prison system.
Who Initiated Prisoner's Justice Day?:
Prisoners in Millhaven institution marked the first anniversary of Edward Nolan's death on August 10th, 1975 by going on a hunger strike and a day of mourning. Prisoner's Justice Day was officially recognized as a memorial on August 10th, 1976 the following year.
The initiation and promotion of Prisoner's Justice Day is primarily attributed to the Odyssey Group formed at Millhaven Prison in 1976 and lead by Howie Brown. Odyssey was revolutionary in advocating on behalf of prisoners in the areas of prison reform and public education. The articles in the Odyssey News Letter, first published in 1978 focused on cutting edge themes such as, "Special Handling Units," "the power and control of custodial staff, "the absurdity of rehabilitation", "the double standard of social justice in Canada," and "suicide and death"
Why Is Prisoner's Justice Day Important?
The importance of Prisoner's Justice Day cannot be fully appreciated without understanding that the basic human rights most of us take for granted are an uphill battle for prisoners. Fundamental rights, such as: "the right to useful education and training," "the right to proper medical attention" and "the right to due process in judicial procedures;" are only a few examples of the major issues of contention between prisoners and correctional service administration. Had it not been for the tireless efforts of groups like Odyssey, even the right to grieve the loss of fellow prisoners may have not been formally recognized.
Prisoners are now able to commemorate PJD free of official negative repercussions from prison management and staff.
What Can We Learn From Prisoner's Justice Day?
To do nothing in response to personal or social problems, is probably the greatest sin we commit against others and ourselves. Moreover, every life is of immense value. Injustices done, no matter where, or to whom deserve a proactive and compassionate response. Compassion also involves grief, which is within everyone's right to express.
The efforts of the Odyssey Group also teach us that no matter how hopeless, repressive or even terrifying our situation is, as long as there is a glimmer of hope there is opportunity for a proactive, positive strong response. These efforts, if backed by heartfelt compassion, determination and undying optimism can convert tragedy into opportunity and lasting effective change.
More information: History of Prisoners' Justice Day