Ohio Prison Watch

National Occupy in Support of Prisoners Day: 20 Feb 2012

2012-02-06T11:07:00.000-07:00

This comes from our comrades at Redbird Prison Abolition: Columbus, OH America is the Prisonhouse of Nations, holding 2.3 million people behind bars. This is by far the highest incarceration rate in the world. The US police and surveillance forces are expanding every day. We live in the most sophisticated police state history has ever known. The state of Ohio houses over 50,000 prisoners and

Is Ohio Keeping Another Innocent Man on Death Row?

2012-01-31T12:57:00.000-07:00

Yes, and more! Stop the death penalty! From The Atlantic Jan 31st 2012 Instead of searching for the truth, the state is going to absurd lengths to defend a dubious death sentence. Last year, the execution of Troy Davis captured most of the attention, and generated most of the debate, on the topic of capital punishment in America. Davis was put to death by lethal injection in Georgia three

INNOCENCE: Ohio's "Substantial Inequitable Conduct" Leads to Nation's 140th Death Row Exoneration

2012-01-23T11:15:00.000-07:00

From: Death Penalty Information Center: On January 23, the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear an appeal by the state of Ohio challenging the unconditional writ of habeas corpus and bar to the re-prosecution of Joe D'Ambrosio (pictured), thus ending the capital case. He has now been freed from death row with all charges dismissed. A federal District Court had first overturned D'Ambrosio's

State Rep. Antonio Renews Request for a Moratorium on Executions

2012-01-15T05:37:00.000-07:00

From: Lakewood Patch By: Colin McEwen On or around: Jan 12, 2012 State Rep. Nickie Antonio (D- 13) joined two other state officials in supporting a renewed call for a moratorium on executions in Ohio. Antonio — along with democrats Ted Celeste (Columbus) and state senator Edna Brown — sent a letter last week to Gov. John Kasich in response to U.S. District Judge Gregory Frost’s decision to

Judge halts killer’s Ohio execution, scolds state

2012-01-15T05:31:00.000-07:00

From: CantonRep.com On: Jan. 11th 2012 By: Andrew Welsh-Huggins (AP) COLUMBUS — A federal judge on Wednesday delayed next week’s execution of a man who stabbed to death an elderly couple, saying the state had once again failed to follow its own rules for executions. U.S. District Court Judge Gregory Frost said he does not want to micromanage Ohio executions but added that the Department of

Report: Ohio should move mentally ill young adults out of juvenile detention centers quickly

2012-01-07T12:32:00.000-07:00

From: The Republic Jan 6th 2012, by Andrew Welsh-Huggins COLUMBUS, Ohio — The state should transfer mentally ill juvenile inmates to psychiatric facilities as soon as possible and find money for their treatment, according to a new report on the status of Ohio's youth prison system. The Department of Youth Services holds some of the most acutely mentally ill youth in the state, who would be

Crime and Punishment

2011-12-27T14:45:00.000-07:00

By Bomani Shakur “The degree of civilization in a society can be judged by entering its prisons.” - Dostoyevsky If what Dostoyevsky says is true (and I believe it is), then America, which boast the largest prison population in the world, is perhaps the most uncivilized country there is. A bold statement, I know, especially coming from someone who has spent the past twenty-three years behind

Death Penalty: Danish drug maker Lundbeck sells drug used by several states in lethal injection process

2011-12-23T03:42:00.000-07:00

From: The Republic, Dec 22nd 2011 By Andrew Welsh-Huggins COLUMBUS, Ohio — The only U.S.-licensed maker of a drug used by several states to execute inmates is selling the product to another drug manufacturer, saying pentobarbital — a sedative never intended for capital punishment — wasn't an important product for the firm. Denmark-based Lundbeck Inc. said a distribution system meant to keep the

Murder victim's family among those testify against death penalty

2011-12-18T04:51:00.000-07:00

From: Stowcentry.com by Marc Kovac | Capital Bureau Chief Columbus -- Twenty-seven years ago, Mary Jane Stout and her husband, Norman, allowed John David Stumpf and another man into their Guernsey County home to use the telephone. Stumpf then shot and killed Mary Jane and attempted to kill her husband with repeated gunshots to the head. That was in May 1984. Stumpf has been on Death Row since

Roger Dean Gillispie could be freed from prison

2011-12-16T08:50:00.000-07:00

Dec 15, 2011 Via: Newstalk Radio By Charles Van Sant DAYTON, Ohio -- Roger Dean Gillispie, convicted of rape, could be set free. U.S. Magistrate Michael Merz ordered that Gillispie be retried or freed by July based on evidence which had been rejected in the past. Gillispie has been fighting his convictions for 20 years. He argued Tuesday for a new trial before three appeals judges. Gillispie

Supreme Court Justice Pfeifer calls for abolishing death penalty

2011-12-14T12:26:00.001-07:00

From: Dayton Daily News Dec. 14th 2011 By William Hershey | Wednesday, December 14, 2011, 12:32 PM Ohio Supreme Court Justice Paul E. Pfeifer, who was a cosponsor of Ohio’s death penalty law in 1981 as a state senator, on Wednesday testified in favor of legislation abolishing the death penalty and making life without the possibility of parole the harshest punishment. “The death penalty in Ohio

Pepper spray in Ohio juvenile lockups unwarranted

2011-12-01T03:52:00.000-07:00

From: NECN.com Nov 30, 2011 COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — The pepper spraying of juvenile inmates in September broke numerous state rules and was without exception unwarranted, a court-appointed monitor concluded in a report. The state has argued a violent gang outbreak justified the spraying. The analysis of several incidents in which gang members were pepper sprayed as they were transferred between

Ohio Set to Execute Reginald Brooks

2011-11-15T03:46:00.000-07:00

Note: Ohio: Please do not kill in return. In fact, never kill, but cure instead. Here is the petition by Amnesty International to stop another execution from being carried out. By KANTELE FRANKO Source: Associated Press / ABC News COLUMBUS, Ohio November 15, 2011 (AP) Ohio was poised Tuesday to end a nearly six-month break in its use of capital punishment by executing a man who fatally shot

Please sign: Execute Justice - Eliminate the Death Penalty in Ohio

2011-10-10T12:36:00.000-06:00

To be delivered to: The Ohio State House It's time that Ohio ends the Death Penalty. Show your support by encouraging the members of the Criminal Justice Committee in the Ohio House to vote in favor of HB 160. Ohio HB 160 eliminates the death penalty and replaces it with Life Without a Chance of Parole. The bill was introduced this spring and it has had one hearing in the House Criminal Justice

Ohio to move its death row inmates

2011-10-03T14:05:00.000-06:00

From: Cleveland.com COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Ohio's death row is moving again. Oct 3rd, 2011 The Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction announced today that it would consolidate its two death row locations into a single spot, moving condemned inmates to the re-opened Chillicothe Correctional Institution. The department houses 145 death row inmates at prisons in Mansfield and Youngstown. The

Sen. Edna Brown: Abolish OH death penalty

2011-09-29T09:09:00.000-06:00

From: WTOL.com Sep 28, 2011 By Lisa Strawbridge TOLEDO, OH (WTOL) - One day after Ohio Governor John Kasich commuted the death sentence of a convicted killer, State Senator Edna Brown plans to introduce legislation to abolish the death penalty in the Buckeye State. She calls the death penalty an archaic practice, and she's encouraging Kasich to place a moratorium on all executions while the

New sentencing law takes effect

2011-09-29T09:05:00.000-06:00

From: Times Bulletin 29th of Sept 2011 VAN WERT - On Friday, a recently-passed piece of legislation designed to bring down the number of inmates in Ohio prisons will take effect. House Bill 86, also known as Ohio's Prison Reform Bill makes changes to a wide variety of sentences. Perhaps the most visible are changes to lower level felony drug cases. "HB 86 set up substantial hurdles to sentencing

Ohio governor commutes sentence of death row inmate

2011-09-27T13:09:00.000-06:00

From: Reuters Sept 26, 2011 Ohio's Republican Governor John Kasich on Monday commuted the death sentence of convicted killer Joseph Murphy to life without the possibility of parole, his second such action in the past three months. The application of Ohio's death penalty came under question in July when a federal judge issued a stay of execution for another inmate and called the state's practices

Lucasville uprising prisoner dies in ohio

2011-09-17T16:31:00.000-06:00

By Sharon Danann in: Workers World Published Sep 17, 2011 Abdul-Muhaymin Nuruddin Abdul-Muhaymin Nuruddin, a prisoner convicted as James Bell, died this past week of an apparent heart attack while in custody. His body has yet to be released so that his funeral can take place, in disregard of Muslim custom of burial within 24 hours. Nuruddin was a negotiator on behalf of the prisoners during

Cleveland man [with innocence claim] released from prison after a decade behind bars

2011-09-14T02:05:00.001-06:00

From: Cleveland,com (Plain Dealer) Published: Monday, September 12, 2011 By By Leila Atassi CLEVELAND, Ohio -- A Cleveland man, who spent more than a decade in prison for a murder he says he did not commit, stepped out of Cuyahoga County jail a free man Monday thanks to a federal court's ruling that the trial court trampled his rights when it allowed a jailhouse informant to testify against him.

Jason Robb allowed to question prosecutors on possible location of case files that defendents have never seen

2011-09-13T12:53:00.000-06:00

Ohio prison riot killer can quiz prosecutors Published 11:35 a.m., Tuesday, September 13, 2011 Houston Chronicle COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — A federal judge is allowing an Ohio inmate sentenced to die for killings during the 1993 Lucasville prison riots to question prosecutors about the possible location of case files. Jason Robb received the death penalty for killing a guard and a fellow prisoner

Prisoner Awareness Day Youngstown

2011-09-12T13:53:00.001-06:00

Tuesday, September 13 · 5:00pm - 10:00pm Location The Lemon Grove Café 122 West Federal Street Youngstown, OH IN THE BELLY (play) & DARK LITTLE SECRET (film) Insurgent Theatre is bringing their play IN THE BELLY to Youngstown, Ohio on September 13th. IN THE BELLY depicts long term solitary confinement in order to begin a critique of the entire US prison system. This collaboratively developed

Ohio's top judge calls for death penalty review

2011-09-09T13:16:00.003-06:00

From: Houston Chronicle By Andrew Welsh-Huggins (AP) Thursday, September 8, 2011 COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Ohio's top judge on Thursday announced a committee will review the state's death penalty law and determine if changes should be made, but with an important caveat: It won't debate whether Ohio should have capital punishment. The review, 30 years after Ohio enacted its most recent death

Insurgent Theatre, Ohio: In The Belly (raising funds for supporting prisoners)

2011-09-01T16:27:00.003-06:00

From: Insurgent Theatre: In the belly is where things digest, where they are broken down so their value can be extracted. This is where things are made to rot. If our society is a beast, its belly is the prison system. This new work from Insurgent Theatre seeks to manifest imprisonment on stage, overlays it with critical analysis of the system, and follows up with in-depth discussion about

NYT: Ohio and the Death Penalty

2011-08-13T12:42:00.002-06:00

From: New York Times (editorial) Aug 8, 2011 Gov. John Kasich of Ohio postponed for a month the state’s next execution. The decision is an admission that Ohio’s management of the death penalty is broken and further proof that the machinery of death cannot be operated responsibly anywhere. The governor made the postponement after a federal district judge in Ohio stayed another execution, when

Security records mixed for private prison firms. Ohio will announce next month which firm will run the state’s prisons.

2011-08-08T12:58:00.001-06:00

Special Investigation From: Dayton Daily News Security records mixed for private prison firms Ohio will announce next month which firm will run the state’s prisons. Kasich looking to privatization to cut costs, raise cash By Tom Beyerlein and Laura A. Bischoff, Staff Writers Saturday, August 6, 2011 An escape from a privatized prison in Kingman, Ariz., last year left two people dead and raised

Ruling halts Ohio executions

2011-07-22T05:44:00.000-06:00

July 14, 2011 Columbus Dispatch State won't appeal judge's decision; lethal-injection procedures to be revised Ohio executions are on hold while state prison officials adjust lethal-injection procedures that a federal judge termed haphazard. Attorney General Mike DeWine's decision not to appeal U.S. District Judge Gregory L. Frost's order means an indefinite postponement of the execution of

Kenneth Smith: Stay of execution granted

2011-07-19T13:20:00.000-06:00

We were late in getting this, but thinking of the possibility of an execution today, we were relieved to find this: From: Ohioans to stop executions: Kenneth Smith: Stay of execution granted July 8, 2011 US District Court Judge Gregory Frost issued a stay of execution to Kenneth Smith on Friday, July 8th. Smith was scheduled to be executed on July 19, 2011 for the 1995 murders of Lewis and

United We Stand! Ohio to California Solidarity!

2011-07-16T09:48:00.000-06:00

United We Stand! By Imam Siddique Abdullah Hasan Ohio State Penitentiary June 30, 2011 Revolutionary Salute & Shields Up! It has come to our attention that the brothas at Pelican Bay State Prison Security Housing Unit will commence an indefinite hunger strike on July 1, 2011, to protest the inhuman and dehumanizing treatment and conditions they’ve been forced to endure for 25 years. Further,

New Ohio criminal sentencing bill to save millions by letting inmates out early, sending low-level felons to prison alternatives

2011-06-28T05:10:00.005-06:00

From: Cleveland.com Plain Dealer:By Joe Guillen, The Plain Dealer, 27th June 2011COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Nonviolent felons will be sent to rehabilitation facilities instead of prison, and some inmates will be released sooner under an overhaul of Ohio's criminal sentencing laws aimed at easing prison overcrowding and saving the state money.Republican Gov. John Kasich will sign the massive bill this week

ACLU: 40 Years and Over 40 Million Arrests Later, War on Drugs Still Harming Our Communities

2011-06-20T12:02:00.005-06:00

By: ACLU of OhioPosted by Mike Brickner, ACLU of Ohio, Jun 16th, 2011June 2011 marks the 40th anniversary of President Richard Nixon's declaration of a "war on drugs" — a war that has cost roughly a trillion dollars, has produced little to no effect on the supply of or demand for drugs in the United States, and has contributed to making America the world's largest incarcerator. Throughout the

Shawn Hawkins interviewed

2011-06-16T02:13:00.002-06:00

Columbus DispatchJune 15th 2011By Alan JohnsonLEBANON, Ohio - At 10 a.m. yesterday, the exact hour that a lethal dose of pentobarbital was supposed to be flowing into his veins at the Southern Ohio Correctional Facility, Shawn Hawkins was sitting in a room 90 miles away. Very much alive, Hawkins looked out a window at the Warren Correctional Institution. He saw bright sunshine, a patch of green

Ohio places prison physician on paid leave during investigation of inmate's suicide

2011-06-13T12:23:00.001-06:00

Daily Reporter, June 10, 2011COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio has placed a prison doctor on paid administrative leave during an investigation into the suicide of an inmate under the doctor's care.Department of Rehabilitation and Correction spokesman Carlo LoParo said Friday the action taken with Dr. Myron Shank is standard during such investigations.The state is looking into the June 2 suicide of Gregory

Kasich grants clemency to Death Row inmate

2011-06-08T15:16:00.001-06:00

from: Cincinnati.com By Mark Curnutte, June 8, 2011Shawn Hawkins was admitted to Ohio’s death row on Feb. 1, 1990.On Wednesday, Gov. John Kasich commuted the death sentence of the Springfield Township man, who was scheduled to be executed Tuesday, to life in prison without parole.http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifKasich signed the warrant of commutation and released the following statement:“

Prisoner Food Strike in Ohio

2011-06-06T03:34:00.001-06:00

Redbird Prison Abolition: Prisoner Food Strike in Ohio: "Last month (May 18-23) inmates at FCI Elkton (in Lisbon, OH) went on food strike. We have very little information about this right now. One..."Read the rest here, June 5th 2011. FCI Elkton is a Federal institution.

Uncertainty demands clemency for death-row inmate

2011-06-03T04:12:00.000-06:00

By Marilou Johanek, Blade Commentary writer June 2nd 2011 Toledo Blade Shawn Hawkins has friends in high places. Not only does the Ohio death row inmate have all the usual opponents of capital punishment working to spare his life, set to end in 13 days, but even conservative, pro-death penalty Republicans are on board. Last weekend, an unusual appeal on Hawkins' behalf appeared in some Toledo

Ohio Prison Reform, Pulled in Two Directions

2011-06-03T04:02:00.000-06:00

From: The Crime ReportBy Matt KelleyTuesday, May 31Smart criminal justice reform doesn’t happen overnight. Parallel proposals in Ohio present tidy examples of the right and wrong ways states are seeking to reduce crime, shrink prisons and save taxpayers money.Let’s start with the good news. A bill that would help Ohio shrink populations at overcrowded state prisons and create new sentencing

Plz Sign for Shawn Hawkins to save his life! Innocent yet in danger of being murdered

2011-05-22T16:51:00.005-06:00

Please sign this petition to save the life of Shawn Hawkins! Execution date 14th of June 2011. Write the Ohio Parole Board please! Sample letter here. Target: Honorable Governor of Ohio John Kasich Sponsored by: Family and Friends of Shawn HawkinsFACT SHEET TO SAVE THE LIFE OF SHAWN HAWKINSWe are petitioning Governor Kasich in an effort to save Shawn from unjustly being put to death by the

Rally April 10th at OSP against Solitary Confinement and Discrimination

2011-04-05T02:34:00.003-06:00

18 Years of Solitary Confinement is Enough! If you heap the harshest possible punishment on the negotiators, what incentive will there be to negotiate during the next uprising?Protest the Solitary Confinement of the Lucasville Uprising Prisoners and the Discrimination against the Religious Practices of Native American Prisoners by Rallying at the Gates of the Ohio State Penitentiary - Sunday,

State Rep. Matt Lundy questions prison board head’s links

2011-03-18T07:22:00.003-06:00

State Rep. Matt Lundy questions prison boardGRAFTON — State Rep. Matt Lundy is questioning whether it is a conflict of interest for state prisons director Gary C. Mohr to be involved in the matter of selling five Ohio prisons to private companies because Mohr used to work for Corrections Corporation of America, one of the private prison operators who could bid on purchasing Grafton Correction

Abolition bill announced

2011-03-15T10:16:00.002-06:00

Via FacebookFrom: Ohioans to Stop ExecutionsColumbus, OH --March 14, 2011State Representatives Ted Celeste and Nickie Antonio announced legislation that would abolish the death penalty.OTSE Executive Director, Kevin Werner said, "This is a day of enormous opportunity. Today begins a thoughtful discussion around how to build a fairer, more equitable, and more efficient justice system." Werner, who

Gamso - For the Defense: Feel Better Now?

2011-03-10T13:41:00.000-07:00

Gamso - For the Defense: Feel Better Now?: "They say Johnnie Baston confessed on Friday.So we can all rest easy.But you know, confession or not (and there's at least some dispute), fac..."

Vigil to protest execution by Ohio, on March 10th 2011

2011-03-05T06:18:00.000-07:00

From: Facebook Restore Justice will hold a vigil to protest the scheduled execution by Ohio of Jonnie Baston. He is scheduled to be executed on Thurs. morning Mar. 10th. The vigil will be held at the Athens County Courthouse on Wed. Mar 9th from 6 to 7 pm. We have much compassion and sympathy for the family and loved ones of the victim, Chong Mah. We feel that there is no reason for the

The Governor of Ohio is not God's agent on earth. He is our agent.

2011-03-05T04:51:00.000-07:00

From: Gamso - For the Defense Blog Friday, March 4, 2011 Tears Come Early They won't be killing him for another few days, not until Thursday next week.I'm not sure why this one is hitting me so hard. They're all tough, of course. Especially the ones I worked on. But this is worst than most.Maybe it's because it's so clearly wrong.So a bit more background, maybe. Johnnie Baston was sentenced

Governor rejects clemency request

2011-03-05T04:44:00.000-07:00

Execution Thursday Saturday, March 5, 2011 02:53 AM By Alan JohnsonSource: THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH Johnnie Baston was convicted of killing a Toledo shopkeeper, whose family opposes the death penalty.

Hunger Strike for Religious Rights for Native Americans

2011-03-04T04:52:00.002-07:00

Update March 14th:The hungerstrike ended in victory, having met some demands. A petition with 800 signatures was presented and that too helped put pressure on the authorities.Update March 5th, 2011: As of word received this morning, when Native American hunger striker Jason Campbell was moved to segregation (the hole) after refusing his ninth meal, the authorities confiscated a religious

Urgent Action: Imminent Execution/Death Penalty USA (Ohio): Johnnie Baston

2011-02-24T14:13:00.000-07:00

From Amnesty International: Johnnie Baston, a 36-year-old African American man, is scheduled to be executed in Ohio on 10 March. He was sentenced to death in 1995 for a murder committed during a robbery in 1994. Chong Hoon Mah, a South Korean immigrant to the USA, was shot and killed on 21 March 1994 during a robbery of one of the retail shops that he owned in Toledo, Ohio. Johnnie Baston was

A word of thanks and a plan of action for the Lucasville Five

2011-02-19T03:22:00.000-07:00

Dear supporter, or potential supporter, of the five men sentenced to death for their leadership roles in the Easter uprising of prisoners at Lucasville in 1993: First of all, thanks. When we visited the men on hunger strike at the Ohio supermaximum security prison in January, each brought to the visit a stack of letters from supporters all over the world. They are emphatic that it was

Prisons 'about to blow'?

2011-02-18T13:14:00.000-07:00

Violence data part of argument for Senate bill Wednesday, February 16, 2011 02:55 AM By Alan Johnson The Columbus DispatchViolent or destructive incidents involving six or more inmates in Ohio prisons have almost quadrupled in just three years. Such confrontations occurred an average of once every 28 days in 2007, but by last year they

Victim's Family Asks Ohio Board to Spare Inmate's Life

2011-02-11T13:26:00.000-07:00

From Death Penalty Information Center The family of a man who was killed in Ohio recently petitioned the parole board to commute the death sentence of the defendant in the murder. Peter Mah, son of Chong Hoon Mah, who was killed by Johnnie Baston (pictured) during a robbery in 1994, told the Ohio Parole Board, "I was opposed to Mr. Baston receiving a death sentence at the time of his

Get-tough stance not helping Ohio prison population

2011-02-11T07:39:00.000-07:00

From: Toledo Blade, Feb 10th 2011 Ohio’s prisons house nearly 51,000 inmates – one-third more than they were built to handle. If current trends in state corrections policy continue, that population will grow by another 3,000 prisoners within four years. But these trends will not continue indefinitely. Either the state will face costly penalties for its overcrowded prisons, or it will have to

Ohio to put prisoners down like dogs, literally

2011-02-09T05:08:00.000-07:00

Ohio to put prisoners down like dogs, literallyFrom: Salon.com, by Christopher R. Walker. Jan 25, 2011.As more and more EU countries ban the exportation of crucial execution drugs, states begin to take drastic measure.The Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction announced Tuesday that it will use pentobarbital, a common anesthetic used by veterinarians to euthanize pets. Oklahoma also

Ohio executions on record pace

2011-02-09T04:59:00.000-07:00

Ohio executions on record paceFeb 8, 2011COLUMBUS – Ohio is on pace, once again, to set a modern-day state record for executing the most condemned killers in one year.(read more by clicking on the link above).

Prison Emergency Summit Feb 26th

2011-02-07T13:13:00.001-07:00

Lucasville Uprising Freedom Network, 216-925-9108 lucasvillefreedom@gmail.com “PRISON EMERGENCY SUMMIT”: ALL-DAY CONFERENCE AT CLEVELAND STATE UNIVERSITY ON SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 26, CALLED BY COMMUNITY GROUPS IN CONJUNCTION WITH CSU’S BLACK STUDIES DEPARTMENT Using the success of the recent hunger strike of three Lucasville uprising prisoners at Ohio State Penitentiary as a jumping off point, the

Ohio Catholic bishops seek to end death penalty

2011-02-06T14:20:00.000-07:00

(Source: AP) – Feb 5, 2011 COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Archbishop Dennis Schnurr of Cincinnati and Bishop Frederick Campbell of Columbus are among 10 Catholic church leaders in Ohio who have signed a statement urging the state to stop using the death penalty, weeks after an Ohio Supreme Court justice issued the same call. Ohio put eight people to death last year, the most since 1949, The Columbus

Retire Ohio's death penalty: Paul E. Pfeifer

2011-01-27T11:32:00.017-07:00

January 26, 2011http://www.cleveland.com/opinion/index.ssf/2011/01/retire_ohios_death_penalty_pau.htmlBy Paul E. Pfeifer Are we, the people of Ohio, well served by our continuing use of the death penalty? Before we try to answer that, let's take a quick look back at capital punishment in Ohio. In 1972, the U.S. Supreme Court declared Ohio's death penalty statute unconstitutional. In 1974, our

Power to the people: A welcome prison victory in Ohio

2011-01-25T03:19:00.000-07:00

In: SF Bay View Posted on January 23, 2011, in: SF Bay View by Bomani Shakur, aka Keith LaMar http://sfbayview.com/2011/power-to-the-people-a-welcome-prison-victory-in-ohio/ (Photo: This is the cast of the play “Lucasville: The Untold Story of a Prison Uprising” by Staughton Lynd, based on his book of the same name, when the play was performed at the Barrow Street Theater as part of the 2008

A Welcome Prison Victory at Youngstown

2011-01-20T07:18:00.003-07:00

By Denis O'Hearn in: Monthly Review, 19th January 2011Three death-sentenced men went on hunger strike in Ohio State Penitentiary on January 3 to win the same rights as others on death row in the state. On Saturday January 15, the twelfth day of their protest, a crowd of supporters gathered in the parking lot by the tiny evangelical church at the entrance to the prison on the outskirts of

A great rally, a great victory for the Lucasville hunger strikers

2011-01-16T03:39:00.000-07:00

January 15, 2011by Denis O’Hearn SF Bay View and Facebook Jan. 15, 4:33 p.m. – I have a short report on today’s rally at the Ohio State Penitentiary in support of the three men on hunger strike. But first, I can now report to you the wonderful news that all three have resumed eating because they achieved a victory. The prison authorities have provided, in writing, a set of conditions that

Lucasville hunger strikers’ support rally outside Ohio State Penitentiary on MLK’s birthday Saturday, Jan. 15, 1 p.m.

2011-01-16T03:34:00.000-07:00

January 14, 2011 Delegation to present Warden David Bobby’s representative with letter of support for the hunger strikers with hundreds of signatures by Sharon Danann, Lucasville Uprising Freedom Network in: SF Bay View Three inmates on death row at Ohio State Penitentiary have been on hunger strike since Monday, Jan.3, to protest the conditions of their confinement. All three prisoners

Prisoners’ hunger strike enters second week

2011-01-16T03:26:00.001-07:00

Prisoners’ hunger strike enters second week January 14, 2011 by Workers World Cleveland bureau Reproduced in : SF Bay View “So much energy is coming from all over. I’m just trying to hang on and ride the wave,” wrote political prisoner Bomani Shakur Jan. 6, the third day of his hunger strike at Ohio State Penitentiary. Convicted as Keith LaMar, Bomani and two other death-sentenced prisoners

Hunger for Death Row: Lucasville Five prisoners on hunger strike seeking death row status

2011-01-13T15:38:00.000-07:00

From D.B.A. Press: Posted on January 11, 2011 by admin (see for the mugshots here) (Left to right, top: Hasan, Skatzes, Robb. Bottom: Lamar, Were) Siddique Abdullah Hasan (Carlos Sanders), Bomani Shakur (Keith Lamar), Jason Robb and Namir Mateen (James Were), four of the “Lucasville Five,” went on hunger strike at Ohio State Penitentiary Youngstown on January 3– the objective being to gain the

Send Cards and Letters to Lucasville Hunger Strikers!

2011-01-10T12:36:00.000-07:00

From: Denis O'Hearn 12:25pm Jan 10 Via Nattyreb: I Just received the following from Joe O'Donnell in Belfast: Give the boys everyones regards from Belfast and tell them that our prayers are with them!!!!!!!!! Remember Bobby Sands MP; They have nothing in their whole imperial arsenal that can break the spirit of one Irishman who doesn't want to be broken. Bobby Sands Greetings, cards, and

On hunger strike, to be on death row

2011-01-08T05:55:00.000-07:00

Monday, January 3, 2011 By Denis O’Hearn Special to The Vindicator Why would anyone want to go on death row? A federal judge from Ohio once asked that question. To be specific, he asked, “Why would anyone rather be on death row than at Ohio State Penitentiary?” Why, indeed! I’ve been asking myself that question since I began visiting OSP Youngstown a few years ago. Now, the death-sentenced

Letter from Keith Lamar (Bomani Shakur) to Warden Bobby of Ohio State Penitentiary 3 January 2011

2011-01-08T05:42:00.000-07:00

Letter from Keith Lamar (Bomani Shakur) to Warden Bobby of Ohio State Penitentiary 3 January 2011 Warden Bobby, I’m writing to inform you that I am henceforth on a hunger strike. After twelve years of what can only be described as a double penalty, I am respectfully requesting that you cease this tortuous predicament that I am in. As a death-sentenced prisoner, I should be allowed the very same

In Solidarity with the Lucasville Uprising Prisoners on Hunger Strike

2011-01-08T05:31:00.000-07:00

From the Facebook Group In Solidarity with the Lucasville Uprising Prisoners on Hunger Strike January 6th 2011: Just back from the prison visiting Jason Robb. Saw Bomani Shakur yesterday. Spent five hours with each and the conversation never flagged. They are both in good spirits and very lifted by the public response to their action. They have posted signs on their doors: "Hunger Strike: No

Rally and Press Release Hunger Strike on Death Row, Jan 15th, Youngstown

2011-01-06T04:19:00.000-07:00

Hunger Strike on Death Row Honor Dr. Martin Luther King’s Birthday by Rallying at the Gates of the Ohio State Penitentiary - Saturday, Jan. 15, 1:00 PM 878 Coitsville-Hubbard Rd., Youngstown, OH The Lucasville uprising prisoners have been held for more than 15 years in conditions recognized in most nations as TORTURE. A hunger strike to protest these conditions has been under way since January

Ohio death row hunger striker: ‘If we must die’

2011-01-05T01:57:00.001-07:00

By Bomani Hondo Shakur Published Jan 3, 2011 7:49 PM in: Workers World Also see: Lucasville, Ohio, prison uprising leaders go on hunger strike IAC: Support Lucasville prisoners’ hunger strike! Wrongfully convicted following a prison uprising in Lucasville, Ohio, in 1993, Brother Bomani is currently at Ohio State Penitentiary, a supermax prison, where he and other prisoners began a hunger

Protesting inhumane treatment, death penalty in Ohio: Lucasville prison uprising leaders go on hunger strike

2011-01-05T01:50:00.002-07:00

By Sharon Danann Youngstown, Ohio Published Jan 3, 2011 9:19 PM in Workers World Also see: Ohio death row hunger striker: ‘If we must die’ IAC: Support Lucasville prisoners’ hunger strike! Four death-sentenced prisoners, wrongfully convicted of crimes following the 1993 prison rebellion in the Southern Ohio Correctional Facility in Lucasville, Ohio, started a “rolling” hunger strike Jan.

Contact info for and about the Lucasville Hunger Strike: Jan. 15 Rally and Press Conference

2011-01-04T08:03:00.002-07:00

Dear family, friends and supporters of the Lucasville uprising prisoners, PETITION Link: http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/ohiosupermaxhungerstrike/ From: Immigrant Support Network truth_force@yahoo.com Mark your calendars to come to OSP in Youngstown on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday, Saturday, Jan.15, for a rally and press conference. Gather at 12:45, rally and press conference at 1

Lucasville Five Hunger Strike Begins

2011-01-03T08:22:00.001-07:00

An interview with author Staughton LyndBy Angola 3 NewsJanuary 3, 2011In 1993, the maximum security Southern Ohio Correctional Facility in Lucasville, Ohio was the site of an historic prisoner rebellion, where more than 400 prisoners seized and controlled a major area of the prison for eleven days. Nine prisoners alleged to have been informants and one hostage correctional officer named Robert

Hunger strike of the Lucasville Uprising prisoners – starting Monday, Jan. 3

2010-12-31T10:13:00.000-07:00

Posted on December 25, 2010 by Denverabc Dear family members, friends and supporters of the Lucasville uprising prisoners, Siddique Abdullah Hasan, Bomani Shakur (Keith LaMar), Jason Robb and Namir Mateen (James Were) will start a hunger strike on Monday Jan. 3 to protest their 23-hour a day lock down for nearly 18 years. These four death-sentenced prisoners have been single-celled (in solitary

Ohio second only to Texas in executions for 2010

2010-12-26T12:29:00.001-07:00

From: Marion Star BY DAN HORN • The Cinncinati Enquirer • December 24, 2010 MARION -- Ohio executed more inmates in 2010 than in any year since the state returned to capital punishment almost three decades ago, and four death penalty cases are pending in Marion County courts. The state's eight executions ranked Ohio second in the nation - behind only the 17 carried out in Texas - and bucked

Stop using drug for executions, company tells Ohio

2010-09-24T20:48:00.004-06:00

Shortage of anesthetic has caused delays in killings in several statesThe company that makes the drug Ohio uses to execute condemned prisoners wants the state to stop killing people with its anesthetic. "Hospira provides these products because they improve or save lives and markets them solely for use as indicated on the product labeling," wrote Dr. Kees Groenhout, the Illinois company's vice

the Desaparecidos of 9/11

2010-09-11T13:41:00.000-06:00

A friend passed these lyrics on to me today in remembrance of those most forgotten from the tragedy on 9/11/2001. Grief was spoken in our country in many languages that day - and it was silenced by fear. Still is.This is for the families of the Desaparecidos everywhere. Liberty weeps for you, too. May you someday safely bring your loved ones into our light.Peggy PlewsArizona

ACLU: Ohio prisons in crisis

2010-08-24T04:29:00.000-06:00

Senators of both parties agree that system is costly, overcrowded Wednesday, August 18, 2010 02:52 AM By Alan Johnson THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH