NYC Mayor Suspends Solitary Confinement Reform Bill, Putting Prisoners at Risk

New York City Mayor Eric Adams has issued an emergency order to suspend parts of a bill aimed at protecting the human rights of prisoners by limiting the use of solitary confinement in city jails. In a disgusting display of disregard for the well-being of incarcerated individuals, Adams chose to put them in further harm's way.

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The Devastating Details of the Emergency Order

Adams' order, passed on Saturday, suspends limits on solitary confinement, allowing the city to continue its inhumane practice of isolating detained individuals for extended periods. The order also restricts the movement of detained individuals during transport, further limiting their freedom and rights. In a statement, Adams claimed that the law "would be dangerous and would subject incarcerated individuals and staff to further risk of harm."

According to the city council's website, the law intended to:

• Limit solitary confinement to four hours unless exceptional circumstances arise, recognizing the detrimental effects of solitary on mental health.
• Cap "restrictive housing" at 30 consecutive days and 60 days within any year, a much-needed reform to prevent long-term isolation and its devastating consequences.
• Control how the Department of Corrections uses emergency lock-ins, increasing accountability and reducing abuse of power.
• Mandate regular reporting on the use of de-escalation confinement, restrictive housing, and emergency lock-ins, bringing much-needed transparency to the justice system.
• Provide detained people with due process protections, ensuring their rights are respected and they have a voice in their treatment.

Once again, we see a politician turning his back on the most vulnerable in our society. #AbolishSolitary #PrisonReformNow #BasicHumanRights