Our friend Rev. Rich Kilmer from the National Religious Coalition Against Torture wrote an outstanding blog post on the ACLU site this week, called Solitary Confinement: Torture In Your Backyard. He highlights the work that religious leaders have been doing across the country to bring about an end to the use of long-term isolation in prisons and jails, and he also provides information about a film that NRCAT has produced that includes interview with prisoners, family members and advocates about solitary confinement and its disastrous effects.
Here in Maine, there is much encouraging news. After a multi-year effort, the Maine Department of Corrections reduced its solitary population by over 70% in 2011. Maine has become a model for states around the country who are trying to reduce the use of solitary confinement. This week, the Commissioner of the Maine Department of Corrections, who has led the implementation of these reforms, traveled to Illinois to speak to a panel about the possible closure of the TAMMS facility, along with ACLU National Prison Project Director David Fathi. TAMMS includes a notorious solitary unit, which has been the subject of human rights litigation for many years. It feels like the movement to end long-term isolation is truly gaining momentum.
