SPLC Files Lawsuit Against Prison System
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The Southern Poverty Law Center is suing the state because it says inmates and prisoners across Alabama aren’t getting proper medical care.
The Southern Poverty Law Center said it couldn’t wait any longer to file this lawsuit.
Last week’s report from the group showed evidence of prisoners being denied medical treatment as well as necessary medication.
Attorney Maria Morris says it all starts with the conditions of the prisons, which have the most overcrowding of any in the nation.
“The issues raised in the report and the issues addressed in this lawsuit are systemic problems. Anyone who has been in the prisons and seen what we’ve seen and spoke with inmates in the prison system would be appalled,” said Morris.
One of those people is Reesa Gentle, mother of an inmate who the lawsuit says was stabbed in prison 15 times with an icepick but never treated for the wounds.Â
“It is awful. You lay awake at night wondering is my child safe? If he’s not are they going to call and tell me? No,” said Gentle.
Last week Governor Robert Bentley announced a new prison reform task force to tackle the problem.
Morris says that is too little too late.Â
Kim Thomas, head of the Department of Corrections, says he’s disappointed but not surprised by the suit.
He released a statement saying, “We believe that many of their allegations are grossly inaccurate and appear to be based on incomplete information. The Alabama Department of Corrections stands ready to present the facts related to the quality medical and mental health care… within the prison system, and fully defend that level of care in court.”
The suit was filed on behalf of almost 40 inmates who have had problems with medical treatment while incarcerated.Â
