diff --git a/content/session/withouthomeincorona.md b/content/session/withouthomeincorona.md index 24c0e00..d8a8cf1 100644 --- a/content/session/withouthomeincorona.md +++ b/content/session/withouthomeincorona.md @@ -13,6 +13,8 @@ This session, unlike others presented here, does not contain tips for moving int # Conditions in prisons +### Prison Riots + Since Saturday 7 March, in more than twenty Italian jails prisoners have been protesting and rioting. In just a few days, dozens of people got injured, ten prisoners died (according to the authorities, of an overdose after stealing drugs and methadone in the infirmaries, although this information has been disputed) and about seventy have escaped. Demonstrations continue in several institutions, and in some cases detainees are still occupying various sections of the prison complex. The reasons behind all these episodes are different and have to do both with the new emergency that Italy is experiencing, and with the chronic emergencies that the prison system has been experiencing for decades, such as overpopulation and under-resourcing. A common thread linking many cases is the fear of the new Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) infection and anger over the measures taken by prison authorities to contain it. The decision taken by the Ministry of Justice suspended, among other things, bonus day releases, partial freedom regimes and meetings with family members from 9 to 22 March. The measures have been prolonged. The only communications allowed between those who are serving a sentence and those who wait outside are phone and video calls, where the prison is able to guarantee them. The measures sparked the anger of those who thought it was yet another limitation of their rights, given that the infection could also spread through the workers and the prison police. @@ -34,6 +36,10 @@ While similar restrictions are put in effect in other countries, many advocacy g - [To contain coronavirus, release people in prison. Do not let Covid-19 become Katrina in Connecticut.](https://ctmirror.org/category/ct-viewpoints/joseph-gaylin-noora-reffat-and-arvind-venkataraman/) +In Durham & Raleigh, NC (USA), two different demonstrations held in early April push for the release of prisoners on the local and state-level, as well as experimenting with the "car demo" as a tactic. +**Source:** +[Car Demos Surround the Jail and Governor’s Mansion in Durham & Raleigh, NC](https://itsgoingdown.org/car-demos-surround-the-jail-and-governors-mansion-in-durham-raleigh-nc/) + # Emergencies in refugee camps Geneva, 10 March 2020 – The world’s response to the COVID-19 crisis must encompass and focus on all, including those forced to flee their homes. The elderly among the world’s forcibly displaced population are particularly vulnerable, warned today UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, launching its initial COVID-19 appeal. UNHCR is urgently seeking an initial US$33 million to boost the preparedness, prevention and response activities to address the immediate public health needs of refugees prompted by COVID-19.