In Contempt #43: Deadly Heat Wave Hits Prisons, Multiple Hunger Strikes Kick Off, July 25th Roundup

  • August 2, 2024 1:31 am

from It’s Going Down

[This post only contains information relevant to Philadelphia and the surrounding area, to read the entire article follow the above link.]
In this column, we present our monthly roundup of political prisoner, prison rebel, and repression news, happenings, announcements, action and analysis. Packed in as always are updates, fundraisers, and birthdays.

There’s a lot happening, so let’s dive right in!

Black August, Week of Solidarity, and Running Down the Walls

Further ahead, mid-September will see Running/Pushing Down the Walls events in various cities, with Philadelphia, Bloomington, Lowell, Chicago, and Huntington Park confirmed so far. Jailhouse Lawyers Speak are also calling for “Shut Em’ Down” demonstrations on December 6th – 13th.

Uprising Defendants, Stop Cop City and Other Ongoing Cases

A rave is being held in Philadelphia on August 2nd to raise funds for Ellie and John, two Georgia uprising defendants who are being released soon. You can donate directly to their post-release funds here.

Philadelphia uprising defendant Khalif Miller has been given a 1-10 year state sentence on top of his existing 5 year federal sentence. You can write to him at:

Khalif Miller -066
USP Big Sandy
U.S. Penitentiary
P.O. Box 2068
Inez, KY 41224

Amber Kim Hunger Strike and Other Calls to Action

Separately, a call has gone out for a phone zap in support of prisoners at Vaughn prison in Delaware, who are reporting torture and beatings at the hands of prison officers.

Uprising Defendants

See Uprising Support for more info, and check out the Antirepression PDX site for updates from Portland cases. To the best of our knowledge they currently include:

David Elmakayes 77782-066
FCI McKean
Federal Correctional Institution
P.O. Box 8000
Bradford, PA 16701

Anthony Smith
14813-509
FCI Fort Dix
Federal Correctional Institution
Satellite Camp
P.O. Box 2000
Joint Base MDL, NJ 08640

Khalif Miller #70042-066
USP Big Sandy
U.S. Penitentiary
P.O. Box 2068
Inez, KY 41224

 

Statement of solidarity with casey goonan by stevie wilson

  • August 1, 2024 1:23 am

from In The Belly

Many years ago, while imprisoned at SCI-Smithfield, and struggling to keep our study groups afloat, I received an e-mesage from Casey Goonan. I had no clue whom he was. He said he reached out because he heard about the work I was doing inside and wanted to offer any assistance he could. He did, and he continued to do so. Casey has been one of the most consistent and ready allies/accomplices of imprisoned people. Whether producing zines that center imprisoned voices, mailing zines to imprisoned people at no cost, coordinating phone zaps to combat repression by prison officials, raising funds for mutual aid, building social media presence for imprisoned folx or just lending an attentive ear to the concerns of imprisoned people, Casey has been unstinting in his support of anyone, anywhere, who is being oppressed.

My friend, my comrade, my brother, is currently being held in a county jail in CA. I wish I were out there to do more for him, to manifest by love and solidarity for him. What I want everyone to know is that Casey Goonan is an amazing ally/accomplice of oppressed people everyone. In this, his time of need, he should be supported and cared for. I ask people to keep close tabs on the situation, show up for Casey and make sure that while he is inside, jail officials do not harm him or exacerbate his condition. I don’t ever claim to speak for all imprisoned people, but I feel confident in saying that thousands of imprisoned people across this land have benefited from Casey’s efforts. We ask you support our comrade and care for him.

Always,

Stevie