VIDEO "Leaving Us Here to Die": Prisoners Plea for Release, Protection Amid Skyrocketing Infection Rates

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"Leaving Us Here to Die": Prisoners Plea for Release, Protection Amid Skyrocketing Infection Rates In a poignant episode of Democracy Now!, host Amy Goodman examines the harrowing realities faced by prisoners amid the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly focusing on the plea from inmates for release and protection as infection rates soar. U.S. Attorney General William Barr recently called for vulnerable federal prisoners to be placed under home confinement, particularly those in severely impacted facilities like the Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) Elkton in Ohio, where several inmates have succumbed to the virus. The discussion highlights firsthand accounts, including a desperate plea from a prisoner named Aaron Deshawn Campbell, who articulates the dire conditions within prisons. Reports from several states, including Alabama and New York, indicate an alarming trend of high infection rates among inmates, leading to calls for urgent action to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 outbreaks in correctional facilities. Notably, in New York, a significant number of inmates have tested positive, exacerbating concerns about overcrowding and inadequate medical care. Many prisoners are trapped in a cycle of parole violations and pre-trial detentions, unable to secure bail or timely judicial hearings due to the pandemic. The inability to practice social distancing in such close quarters amplifies fears of a health disaster unfolding. Experts and activists—aiding voices from the legal community, healthcare professionals, and advocacy groups—emphasize the urgent need for compassionate clemency measures. They argue that older or immunocompromised individuals deserve immediate attention to their precarious health situations, as prisons are breeding grounds for viruses due to poor sanitation and communal living conditions. In a powerful segment, former inmates and advocates like Jose Saldana call for humane treatment, emphasizing that the failure to act swiftly by elected officials like Governor Cuomo could result in unnecessary deaths of vulnerable populations in custody. The episode closes with calls for broader community engagement and a reflection on the plight of incarcerated individuals, urging viewers to prioritize health and justice reform to avert further tragedies. As we reflect on this critical issue, what are your thoughts on the treatment of prisoners during this pandemic? Have any related experiences or insights you'd like to share? Let's discuss this pressing topic in our community!