Pittsburgh residents are showing their desire to dismantle mass incarceration. A recent referendum banned solitary confinement in the Allegheny County Jail. Chemical and militaristic weapons were also banned at the jail. All in the last year. Now, demand is rising to decarcerate our prisons and bring home our elders.
When initially sentenced as a child to between 40 to 80 years in prison, Kevin Butler struggled to grasp what a virtual life sentence meant. It seemed like the beginning of forever, a time too long to understand. An exceedingly rare commutation brought him freedom after 32 years of that sentence.
This bill has been introduced in the Senate but is not law. We at Straight Ahead want to see the bill become law, as it would allow the possibility for parole for many older and sick people in prisons, including those who might not be covered by other reform bills. This was written and last …
Unpacking SB 835: Who has a chance at freedom from medical and geriatric parole? Read More »
The drive to abolish prisons is at the heart of the Abolitionist Law Center. For years Abolitionist Law Center (ALC) has defended the rights of political prisoners, changed the narratives around justice, and insisted on the inherent violence and racism of the carceral system. ALC has achieved countless wins fighting in the courts and organizing …
ALC fights in the courts. Straight Ahead is taking it to the capitol. Read More »