http://www.ellabakercenter.org/blog/2011/07/pelican-bay-hunger-strike-continues/

This is a call for all prisoners […] as well as the free oppressed and non-oppressed people to support the indefinite July 1st 2011 peaceful Hunger Strike in protest of the violation of our civil/human rights, here at Pelican Bay State Prison Security Housing Unit.” Pelican Bay Hunger Strike leader

Last week, courageous prisoners began a Hunger Strike at the Pelican Bay State Prison Security Housing Unit. Prisoners across the US are showing their solidarity by joining the hunger strike and sending letters of support. Family members, organizations, and allies are joining from the outside to build pressure for the prisoners’ demands.

SUMMARY OF THE PRISONERS DEMANDS:
1. End administrative abuse and group punishment
2. Abolish the Debriefing Policy, and Modify Active/Inactive Gang Status Criteria. Prisoners should not be categorized and punished as gang members just because another prisoner says they are part of a gang in order to get out of the SHU.
3. Comply with US Commission on Safety and Abuse in America’s Prisons 2006 Recommendations Regarding an End to Long-Term Solitary Confinement and Provide SHU prisoners Immediate Meaningful Access to adequate natural sunlight, quality health care and treatment, transfer all Pelican Bay- SHU prisoners with chronic health care problems to the New Folsom Medical SHU facility.
4. Provide Adequate Food – cease the practice of denying adequate food as punishment, and provide wholesome nutritional meals including special diets, and allow inmates to purchase additional vitamin supplements.
5. Expand and Provide Constructive Programming and Privileges for Indefinite SHU Status prisoners (i.e. visitation, phone calls, mail, radio, etc).

For a full version and explanation of the prisoners’ demands, check out: prisonerhungerstrikesolidarity.wordpress.com. Please visit and revisit their blog this week for updates from the organizers.

This weekend, cities around California and beyond are planning solidarity events. For demonstrations and actions in San Francisco, Oakland, Eureka, Los Angeles and beyond, click here. Take Action at one of these events or by spreading the word about the Strike to your networks.

Pelican Bay Hunger Strike Continuesalso see:

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/08/us/08hunger.html
http://www.democracynow.org/2011/7/7/headlines/thousands_of_california_prisoners_join_hunger_strike
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-0706-hunger-strike-20110706,0,3504424.story

Request for Solidarity Actions: http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2011/06/23/18682734.php