On Dec 4, Prison Radio posted a commentary, in which Demetrius Wallace describes “abuse, racism, neglect, and retaliation prisoners have been enduring for years,” at Red Onion State Prison. Conditions continued so horrible and were ignored for so long, that he engaged in self-immolation out of desperation. “I Set Myself on Fire,” ead by Kevin Rashid Johnson.

After weeks of reporting from Prison Radio and advocacy by Interfaith Action for Human Rights and others, stories of Red Onion State Prison have gotten some national and international attention: New York Times (US) (December 1) and The Guardian (UK) (November 30) followed Al Jazeera (November 27). Prior stories were offered by Virginia Public Radio, SF Bay View, and Latin Times.

STILL, the horrific abuse continues, incarcerated people continue to suffer retaliation for speaking out, and advocates continue to demand: A full investigation into the human rights violations and endemic racism at Red Onion State Prison. An end to solitary confinement, beatings, and retaliation. The transfer of those in need of medical care. And the closure of these torturous facilities. Contacts below. See also more information and link to script, from Interfaith Action for Human Rights, for demanding investigation.

Responsible officials to contact are:

Governor of Virginia, Glenn Youngkin. (804) 786-2211 glenn.youngkin@governor.virginia.gov

VA DOC: chadwick.dotson@vadoc.virginia.gov and rose.durbin@vadoc.virginia.gov

The general switchboard number is (804) 674-3000. General emails: https://vadoc.virginia.gov/contact-us/

As noted in “Divine Spark and Carceral Abuse“:

All who can protest against something wrong that one of their family is doing and does not, is accountable together with their family.

All who can protest against something wrong that a citizen of their city is doing and does not protest is accountable together with all citizens of the city.

All who can protest against something wrong that is being done in the whole world is accountable together with all citizens of the world.

— teaching from Rav, Rabbi Chanina, Rabbi Yochanon, Rav Chaviva, B. Talmud Shabbat 54b