Media denied access to California jails
The strike began on July 1 over the condition of isolation units -- called Security Housing Unit (SHU) -- at the Pelican Bay State Prison, where inmates are held in soundproof cells for 23 hours a day.
Prisoners say the extreme isolation in these maximum security areas is seriously deteriorating their health, and they have called for an end to the indefinite detentions.
People in California have been protesting in support of the prisoners, with the relatives of the inmates in SHU saying some of the detainees are now on the brink of death and that their condition is getting worse.
The protests come while US media are banned from reporting the condition of the inmates because the state has blocked their access to the detention facilities.
Prison officials have also been refusing interview requests at Pelican Bay due to what they call security and safety considerations. They say they will seek a court order to allow officials to force-feed inmates if they have to prevent any deaths.
Meanwhile, prisoners' advocates say meetings with prison officials have not been successful and they are disappointed by the lack of progress in meeting the inmates' demands.
They have expressed concerns that the continued hunger strike is not getting the attention it deserves.
Prison officials say they will not change their policies for detaining inmates who commit serious crimes in prison, but they will review policies to see if any changes can be made to meet some of the inmates' demands without compromising the safety at the prisons.
PG/MRS/AKM
http://edition.presstv.ir/mobile/detail.aspx?id=190137
July 21, 2011