DOJ Sues Alabama Over Violence In Prisons
The U.S. Department of Justice sued Alabama and the state Department of Corrections Wednesday over excessive violence in state prisons.
The lawsuit, which is the culmination of a years-long investigation into constitutional violations in Alabama’s prison system, also alleges inmates are routinely subject to excessive force at the hands of prison staff and sexual abuse from other inmates.
Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband for the Civil Rights Division said the state has an obligation to ensure prisons are safe and humane.
“The Department of Justice conducted a thorough investigation of Alabama’s prisons for men and determined that Alabama violated and is continuing to violate the Constitution because its prisons are riddled with prisoner-on-prisoner and guard-on-prisoner violence,” Dreiband said. “The violations have led to homicides, rapes, and serious injuries. The Department of Justice looks forward to proving its case in an Alabama federal courtroom.”
U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Alabama Louis Franklin Sr. said the findings of the investigation are “distressing and continue to require real and immediate attention.”
The coronavirus pandemic has spread to Alabama’s prisons. As of Wednesday night, 43 inmates have died of the coronavirus; there have been two COVID-19-related employee deaths.
Richard Moore, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Alabama, said the pandemic has served as a reminder of the need to prioritize safety, and that state officials have not met standards required by law.
“I am disappointed that the efforts of both Alabama officials and Department of Justice officials to find appropriate solutions have not resulted in a mutually agreed upon resolution,” Moore said. “Our oath as public officials now requires us to follow the Constitution and to pursue justice in the courts.”
The lawsuit seeks injunctive relief from prison conditions revealed by the investigation.
The DOJ has put pressure on Alabama for years to improve its prison conditions. In July, following the release of a damning report outlining abuses inside the state’s prisons — the second such summary of abuses within the prison system — Alabama faced a 49-day deadline to address the Justice Department’s concerns or face legal action from the U.S. Attorney General.
The state’s answer to an overcrowding crisis is to build three regional prisons. The plans face heavy opposition from residents in some areas where the prisons are slated.
In a statement Wednesday evening, the ACLU of Alabama called for state leaders to be held accountable.
JaTaune Bosby, ACLU executive director, said current and formerly incarcerated people have sounded the alarm on prison violence for years. She called on Alabama corrections officials and lawmakers to take decisive action.
“It has been past time for reform, and it is shameful that our state leaders are once again being forced through litigation to do the right thing for the people of Alabama,” she said.
Crew of fatal US military crash included Alabama father recently deployed
The six U.S. service members who died in the crash of a U.S. military refueling aircraft included an Alabama father who had just been promoted and deployed. The U.S. government released the identities of the deceased service members Saturday.
Alabama poised to drastically overhaul utility regulation. Will it lower electric bills?
The Alabama Senate unanimously voted to expand the public service commission, and create a Secretary of Energy to address rising electricity prices. A bill in the House would go even further, requiring rate case hearings and limiting utility profits.
Musher from Alabama is going for back-to-back Iditarod wins
Riches and paid appearances haven’t followed Jessie Holmes since he won the world’s most famous sled dog race, the Iditarod, last year. He doesn't mind.
Bill would move Alabama to closed primaries
Right now, any Alabama voter can participate in a primary election. Lawmakers in Montgomery took up a bill this week that would change that system.
Auburn football player uses NIL funds to open a community hub in Birmingham
Jourdin Crawford, a freshman defensive lineman at Auburn, used earnings from a Name, Image, and Likeness deal to give back to his hometown.
Ivey commutes death sentence of inmate whose accomplice fired fatal shot
Charles “Sonny” Burton was sentenced to death for the killing of Doug Battle during a 1991 robbery. However, another man shot Battle when Burton had left the building.
