Ohio Death Row Hunger Strike Ends

This is a report about the rally held today outside of death row in Ohio in support of the Lucasville Uprising Prisoners' hunger strike over their conditions of extreme isolation. The Abolition Movement sent a message of solidarity to be read to the rally. It follows this report.

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The rally at OSP was attended by a large crowd, including many members of the families of hunger strikers, despite the freezing weather. Family members met with the hunger strikers this morning and they reported that they were in high spirits on ending their hunger strike and winning their demands, but that they now had to turn their attention to their death sentences.

Statements of support came from all over the world and a small delegation of relatives, along with Alice Lynd, went to the prison and left a copy of our open letter for Warden David Bobby, signed by more than 1200 people including prominent people from Ohio and around the world. Warden Bobby was not there but a designated representative received the letter on his behalf with a promise that he would read it.

The crowd then proceeded to a church hall in downtown Youngstown for refreshments and some celebration over the good news. The organizers, especially Sharon Danann, and Alice and Staughton Lynd, want to thank everyone who supported these men for their contribution to this victory.

Our thoughts are with Bomani, Hasan, Jason, and Namir and we will remain at their sides.

Message to the Lucasville Uprising Hunger Strikers

January 15, 2011

The members of the Texas Death Penalty Abolition Movement send our warmest solidarity to those brothers participating in the hunger strike in Ohio.  We know that your oppressive conditions of isolation are inhumane, unconstitutional, degrading, mentally damaging and just plain wrong. 

We applaud your strength in carrying out this hunger strike and bringing this important issue to the people of the world.  We have fought for a decade against the isolation that the 300+ men on death row in Texas are forced to live under.  We know that you, also, are enduring nothing short of torture and the Ohio prison system must end this NOW!!

Stay strong and know that all abolitionists in Texas are standing strong with you in this battle for human rights.  Your courage is an example to all of us. 

On to victory!

Abolish the Racist and Anti-Poor Death Penalty!

Njeri Shakur and Gloria Rubac

For the Texas Death Penalty Abolition Movement

Houston, Texas  

http://abolitionmovement.org/