Why were Robert Earl Council, Melvin Ray, and Raoul Poole moved to solitary confinement?

Their families and attorneys believe the transfers to solitary confinement are retaliation for their activism and outspokenness regarding Alabama's prison conditions, though the Alabama Department of Corrections cited unspecified security concerns.

What documentary featured the transferred Alabama inmate activists?

The inmate activists Robert Earl Council, Melvin Ray, and Raoul Poole were featured in 'The Alabama Solution,' an Oscar-nominated documentary about the state's prison system.

Are there concerns about the safety of the transferred Alabama inmates?

Yes, their attorneys and families fear for their safety and well-being, citing the Alabama Department of Corrections' history of excessive force and retaliation against these specific individuals.

Home / Crime and Justice / Retaliation Feared for Alabama Inmate Activists

Retaliation Feared for Alabama Inmate Activists

30 Jan

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Summary

Inmate activists featured in an Oscar-nominated documentary were moved.
Family and attorneys fear the transfers are retaliation for activism.
Alabama prisons cite security but give no specific reason for moves.

Retaliation Feared for Alabama Inmate Activists

Three prominent incarcerated activists in Alabama, who were featured in the Oscar-nominated documentary 'The Alabama Solution,' have been transferred to solitary confinement. These individuals, Robert Earl Council, Melvin Ray, and Raoul Poole, supported a 2022 prison strike and have been vocal about the state's correctional system issues. Their families and attorneys are concerned the moves to isolated cells at Kilby correctional facility are acts of retaliation for their activism.

The Alabama Department of Corrections stated the transfers were based on intelligence regarding activities detrimental to facility safety and security. However, no specific reasons were provided, and legal representatives assert the restrictions imposed far surpass normal administrative segregation. Attorneys highlighted a history of excessive force and prior retaliation against these specific individuals, raising fears for their safety and well-being.