As inmates, many of whom are American Vets, and America looks on, the prison staff at SCI at A.I.C. Sandstone announced that cases of COVID-19 are now a reality at the prison.

Prisoners have rightfully expressed serious concern over the life-threatening conditions of mass overcrowding at Sandstone, where 162 prisoners are crammed into units that are just 35’ by 95’.

Prisoners must cohabitate in abysmal conditions, sharing bathrooms and showers and eating communally in almost ‘elbow-to-elbow’ confinement. The conditions violate the constitutional rights against overcrowding and the right for guaranteed safety of life.

These [former] servicemen have a right to life and protection from cruel and unusual punishment. There is no reason they should not be put on home confinement. The BOP (Board of Parole) has deemed them “least likely to recidivate” and they have the standard “special conditions” of release that would warrant anyone from prison safe for society. Not that these [former] servicemen would ever pose a threat [upon] re-entering society anyway.