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STOP PRESS: Carrington was released from solitary this evening (18 FEB 2016) with no explanation. Thanks for all who put in a call. He said please still call tomorrow whoever can and demand that the misconduct be removed from his record. |
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Human Rights Defender and Jailhouse Lawyer Carrington Keys of the “Dallas 6” Thrown in Solitary Confinement on Bogus Charges
ACTION
ALERT FOR SCI Forest
PLEASE CALL/FAX/EMAIL Secretary John Wetzel Phone: 717-728-4109 Fax: 717-728-4178 Email: ra-contactdoc@pa.gov
Superintendent Overmyer, SCI Forest Phone: (814) 621-2110 Deputy Secretary of Western Region
FACTS: Carrington is on a vegetarian diet. He received an incorrect tray in the dining hall during meal time. A staff member in the dining hall authorized him to return to the service line to get the correct tray. While he was attempting to obtain the correct tray, a female corrections officer initiated a hostile confrontation. He explained the situation and did so in a calm and rational manner. Later that evening, he was issued a misconduct for refusing to obey an order, presence in an unauthorized area, and a charge alleging that he had stolen food. The C/O referenced past conduct issues of Carrington despite the fact that he has not received a misconduct since April 2010, nearly 6 years, and has had an exemplary disciplinary record at SCI Forest. For approximately 10-11 days Carrington remained in the general population pending a hearing on the misconduct. It appears that he has been found guilty and given disciplinary custody time merely for attempting to obtain the food tray that he is entitled to and after receiving permission from staff to do so.
TALKING POINTS · He was given permission to get the correct tray · He was not in an unauthorized area nor did he refuse to obey an order · We believe he has been targeted by this guard who is clearly abusing her power. Her reference to Carrington’s past conduct record in prison despite the fact that he has been misconduct free for nearly 6 years suggests he is being targeted because he files grievances and lawsuits and speaks up against human rights violations · Being placed in solitary confinement for asking for the right tray is inappropriate and excessive · He has not had a write up in 6 years and has been recommended for parole by SCI Forest since 2014 and would not jeopardize that recommendation · Because of prior abuse of Mr. Keys while in solitary, human rights groups are advocating for Mr. Keys and watching closely
DEMANDS ► Be released from solitary confinement immediately ► Be given a fair opportunity to prove his innocence by having camera evidence reviewed ► If evidence is found that the guard abused her power then she should be reprimanded
BACKGROUND: WHO ARE THE “DALLAS 6” ? The Dallas 6 are six African American prisoners who, while in solitary confinement at SCI Dallas PA in April 2010, covered their cell windows in a peaceful protest to expose abuse and torture by guards. They were beaten and charged with "rioting." Three members of the Dallas 6, including Carrington Keys, still face criminal charges against them, almost six years after the fact. Their trial is on April 4. For more information and to get
involved: |
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