On February 17, corrections officers initiated an illegal wildcat strike in New York, largely protesting against the HALT Act, which seeks to improve humane treatment for incarcerated individuals. The strike has led to chaotic conditions within prisons, resulting in the deaths of at least seven individuals, including an incident involving a brutal beating of a young inmate. While the state has attempted mediation, striking officers remain largely absent, and critics argue that the HALT Act increases violence, a claim many find unconvincing. Repealing the act could worsen conditions for both inmates and officers.
At least seven people have died behind bars since this began. According to eyewitness testimony, at least one of these deaths—that of 22 year old Messiah Nantwi—was caused by a brutal beating at the hands of corrections officers.
The HALT Act was designed to ensure incarcerated individuals were treated in more humane ways, focusing on rehabilitating prisoners rather than continuously punishing them.
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