View Full Version : August 10 is the 27th Annual Prisoners' Justice Day


Menally-Ill
06-30-2002, 03:49 PM
Start gearing up folks. It's that time of year again.

In case you don't know the significance of Prisoners Justice Day, I am very proud to say this tradition began in Canada on August 10, 1975.

Unfortunately, it began as a one day hunger strike by inmates, to commemorate and honour inmates who died inside as a result of murder, suicide, guards abuse, or unattended health problems.

I've heard two stories about the very first protest, on August 10, 1975.

A) It was held at Millhaven Pen (here in Ontario) on the one year anniversary of the suicide of a man named Ed Nalon, in a solitary confinement cell, in a super max segregation unit.

B) It is to commemorate two inmates who died in solitary in the infamous British Columbia Penitentiary (which has since been shut down, and torn down!)

In any event, it is now an annual event, to raise awareness for prisoners' rights.

All the guys INSIDE here in Canada, REFUSE ALL FOOD that day, and REFUSE TO GO to the workshops, classes etc. for that day. They also do not leave their cells.

Corrections Canada used to punish them for it, but now they don't say a word, because it is a peaceful protest. But they do dock the guys their $7 pay for the day.

Outside organizations who work for Prison Reform, also hold protests OUTSIDE the pens, in solidarity.

So far, these August 10 Protest Days have spread to England, Scotland, Holland and Australia.

Spread the word, folks. If nothing else, fast that day...

Love,
Menolly

Daveswife
06-30-2002, 04:03 PM
Thanks for the info!!!!

sherri13
06-30-2002, 09:22 PM
THANKS- I HAD NO IDEA !!!
AUGUST 10TH IS ALSO RON'S BIRTHDAY!!!

Menally-Ill
07-02-2002, 03:55 PM
Oh, I should have included a website, where you can get information on Prisoner's Justice Day.

<www.vcn.bc.ca/august10/index.html>

Write to your guys, and tell them about it. This "movement" spread because guys in the original hunger strike, were transferred to other prisons, and held another strike the following year, and the next...

Now every self-respecting inmate in Canada joins in this protest!

As do prison reform activists on the outside.

Menolly

Eagle
11-15-2003, 03:36 PM
My husband and myself always participated every year in the Prisoner's Justice Day. Right up until the day that my husband was killed in Kent Institution in BC this June 17th 2003. I did not get to participate this year however, due to the mourning that I was goin through. But now I have it in big letters on my calender when the next day comes.

Take care, Eagle