Effort To Release Inmates At Risk For Coronavirus Underway In WA
SEATTLE, WA — A petition seeking the temporary release of hundreds of at-risk inmates during the coronavirus outbreak will move forward before Washington's highest court Monday.
The lawsuit, filed by Columbia Legal Services on behalf of a group on inmates, is asking the state Supreme Court to grant a writ on mandamus, compelling the governor and the Department of Corrections to take further measures to ensure the safety of inmates and staff in Washington's prisons.
According to the Associated Press, close to 18,000 people are currently incarcerated in state facilities. The petition effort asks the court to release all inmates over the age of 50 — roughly 2,000 of the population — and those who have underlying health conditions, which could cause serious complications or death should they contract COVID-19. To further reduce prison density, the lawsuit is also seeking the release of inmates who are within 18 months of their early release date.
"This is a virus that not only spreads quickly but creates severe illness in a lot of individuals," said Nick Allen, Deputy Director of Advocacy for Columbia Legal Services.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/crime/effort-to-release-inmates-at-risk-for-coronavirus-underway-in-wa/ar-BB12dx0J?ocid=hplocalnews