rikers island

It’s Like Being Baked in a Concrete Oven

Tana Ganeva / Truthdig Jul 17, 2023 During record-breaking heat, prisons without air-conditioning can kill inmates and staff. Dig deeper ( 4 Min. Read )

Activism

How to Close Rikers

Janos Marton / Truthdig Jun 29, 2023 The dream of closing Rikers Island is stuck. We need a gameplan to change that. Dig deeper ( 9 Min. Read )

McKinsey’s Monstrous Stint on Rikers Island

Ian MacDougall / ProPublica Dec 11, 2019 The firm was hired in 2017 to help stem prison violence. Instead, a new report reveals, assaults and other attacks soared almost 50%. Dig deeper ( 14 Min. Read )

The Homeless and the Indigent Are People, Too

Jordan Riefe / Truthdig Oct 2, 2018 A powerful new play at Hollywood's Hudson Guild Theater explores the lives of some of our most neglected and misunderstood communities. Dig deeper ( 5 Min. Read )

Kalief Browder, Albert Woodfox and the Torture of Solitary Confinement

Amy Goodman / Truthdig Jun 11, 2015 Twelve days after his 22nd birthday, Kalief Browder wrapped an air-conditioner power cord around his neck and hanged himself. Dig deeper ( 3 Min. Read )

Justice Department Says Rikers Island Jailers Routinely Abused Teen Inmates

Peter Z. Scheer / Truthdig Aug 9, 2014 An extensive report by the Justice Department has found that New York's primary jail is an absolute hell for underage inmates. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

They Can’t Outlaw the Revolution

Chris Hedges / Truthdig May 19, 2014 Cecily McMillan could get up to seven years on her conviction of hitting a plainclothes policeman who grabbed her in Zuccotti Park. The persecution of the Occupy activist has become emblematic of the state's use of the courts to criminalize nonviolent dissent and try to crush new mass movements.The persecution of Occupy activist Cecily McMillan—facing up to seven years in prison—has become emblematic of the state's use of the courts to criminalize nonviolent dissent and try to crush new mass movements. Dig deeper ( 10 Min. Read )

Goldman Sachs to Invest Millions in Inmate Rehabilitation

Alexander Reed Kelly / Truthdig Aug 4, 2012 Goldman Sachs has announced its intention to invest $9.6 million in a prisoner rehabilitation program at New York City’s notorious Rikers Island jail in a move that could net the company a $2.1 million return. Dig deeper ( 2 Min. Read )

No High Ground for New York’s Inmates

Staff / Truthdig Aug 27, 2011 New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg said Friday that the approximately 12,000 prisoners being held on low-lying Rikers Island will not be evacuated to escape Hurricane Irene. (more) Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )