The lawsuit seeks a judicial finding that the defendants have violated the inmates’ constitutional and statutory rights, and a permanent injunction against RIDOC placing prisoners with mental illness in solitary confinement. The suit claims that she has been pepper-sprayed and shackled as a result of these self-injurious behaviors, and even been sanctioned with solitary confinement for attempting suicide. The 58-page complaint describes the harm that the six named inmate plaintiffs and others at the ACI – both sentenced prisoners and pretrial detainees – experience due to the conditions of their confinement.Īccording to the groups, the lead plaintiff in the case, Charlene Liberty, has engaged in serious self-injurious behaviors, including multiple suicide attempts, while in solitary. The suit seeks sweeping changes in the way that those inmates are treated at the ACI.

While in solitary confinement, these men and women have little human contact or access to exercise, fresh air and sunlight, or other environmental stimulation.' The lawsuit alleges that RIDOC “subject hundreds of people to prolonged solitary confinement in tiny, frequently filthy cells where they are kept locked down for 22 to 24 hours a day for weeks, months, and even years at a time. Read the Lawsuit HERE GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE - SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST

A federal class-action lawsuit was filed on Friday against the Rhode Island Department of Corrections (RIDOC) alleging multiple constitutional violations of the rights of prisoners with serious and persistent mental illness.Īttorneys for the American Civil Liberties Union National Prison Project and its Rhode Island Affiliate along with Disability Rights Rhode Island filed the complaint, which alleges violations of the plaintiffs’ constitutional right against cruel and unusual punishment, as well as violations of federal laws barring discrimination against persons with disabilities.

Ridoc inmate getting calls