Aug 1st. AN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PROTEST AND SOLIDARITY WITH THE PRISON HUNGER STRIKERS

[annm4peace]

It is incredible the prisioners are using non-violent means and are committeed to solidarity even though the prison system does everything it can do create a hostile gang environment. They need our support and help.


August 1st: International Day of Action

World Can't Wait's

CALL FOR AN INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PROTEST AND SOLIDARITY WITH THE PRISON HUNGER STRIKERS

In support and respect for the courageous prisoners at Pelican Bay State Prison and other prisons all around California, whose July 2011 hunger strike challenged the inhumane conditions of the Security Housing Units <“the SHU”> and inspired the support of people
Wherever you are, make August 1, a Day of Protest and Solidarity with the Prison Hunger Strikers, a day that counts!

Monday, August 1st: International Day of solidarity & support for the Hunger Strike! Support the Prisoners in Winning the 5 Core Demands! No Retaliation! World Can’t Wait is calling for all supporters internationally to hold demonstrations, rallies, community events, music shows, etc in support of the hunger strikers to continue building momentum for the legislative hearing on August 23rd. If you are coordinating an action, please email [e-mail] so we can post specifics on this page. Contact World Can’t Wait at [e-mail] with questions

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After hunger strike leaders reached an agreement last week with the CDCR to end the hunger strike that swept across California’s prison system, prisoners have started to transition to eating food again. However this transition is both brutal and confusing.

When the hunger strike spread to at least 13 prisons, and at least 6,600 people across the state were participating, it was clear that prisoners joining were doing so in solidarity with the demands from Pelican Bay due to the brutal conditions they are held in resembling the conditions of Pelican Bay.

There has been some mention of prisoners at Corcoran and Tehachapi continuing the strike to expose specific issues at these particular institutions, but supporters do not have confirmation, such as how many prisoners are still refusing food and for what specific reasons or demands

Outside community organizations that correspond with prisoners are scurrying to send in updates on the strike and confirming the agreement between the strike leaders at Pelican Bay and the CDCR, but since the CDCR relies heavily on denying mail as a tool of isolation and political repression, supporters are unsure if their messages are getting through.

As this struggle enters a new phase post-initial-negotiation with the CDCR, supporters outside prison are called on to carry this fight and make sure that the CDCR follows through with its offer of good faith. Supporters everywhere are called on to continue to amplify prisoners’ voices, and to strengthen our ties and connections to better consolidate a growing movement against imprisonment, torture, and all violence. Please keep encouraging everyone you know to refer to this website as a source for information regarding the hunger strike, and the ongoing work to win the five core demands presented by the Pelican Bay hunger strikers.

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The challenge for people outside prison is to match the courage of the hunger strikers, and to support the prisoners in winning their demands through every means we can. Historically people have taken up civil disobedience to prevent mass death, and we’re in such a moment now.

Ways you can support:

Sign the petition
http://www.change.org/petitions/support-pelican-bay-shu-prisoners-five-core-demands-hunger-strike

Urge CDCR and *California elected officials* to honor the prisoner’s demands and the agreement reached with the hunger strike leaders.
http://prisonerhungerstrikesolidarity.wordpress.com/take-action/cdcr-and-california-elected-officials-contact-informaion/

see the list of other ways to help:
http://prisonerhungerstrikesolidarity.wordpress.com/take-action/

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http://prisonerhungerstrikesolidarity.wordpress.com/

[Starry Messenger]

1. k&r

[tb1988]

2. We are a Prison Nation - we have 5% of the world's population and 25% of the world's prisoners.

And it is a national disgrace. Yes, I'll do everything I can to support the prisoners. Thanks for posting, Ann.