The Human Rights Coalition of Pennsylvania is poised to release a scathing report regarding the use of torture in a state penitentiary.  They are calling upon activists and citizens to speak out against likely retaliation directed upon the prisoners who shared their stories, thus the title of the report:  Unity and Courage-SCI Huntingdon Report

People are encouraged to work in coalition with HRC.  SBI-Huntingdon Superintendent Raymond Lawlor can be reached at (814) 643-2100

HRC-Fed Up! Chapter, 5129 Penn Ave., Pittsburgh

412-361-3022 (ext 4); hrcfedup@gmail.com

HRC- Philadelphia Chapter, 4134 Lancaster Ave, Philadelphia

215-921-3491; info@hrccoalition.org

HRC-Chester Chapter, 4 East 7th Street, Chester, PA

610-876-8226;  hrcchester@yahoo.com

The report recommends Law Enforcement conduct proper investigations inside the prison; the Legislature conduct hearings and develop an oversight commission regarding torture and violations of the 8th Amendment; the Legal Community assist prisoners and families in filing civil rights complaints; Prisoners and Families insist their voices be heard, thereby developing collective empowerment; and Civil Society take a public stand against torture and racism in the prison industry.

The Human Rights Coalition has built a strong network of prisoners throughout the Pennsylvania system, and they should be commended for working in partnership with those prisoners standing up to inhumane treatment.  Those prisoners are leaders, not clients.