“I was moved out of SHU after nine years of torture”

Latest

pt.2016.02.08_andy
Andy Lopez, 13 years old, was killed by a Santa Rosa, California, sheriff while walking through a vacant lot with a toy gun. The federal government agreed with the local decision to not file charges, stating, “no civil rights were violated.” DRAWING/JOSE VILLARREAL

 
Editor’s note: The People’s Tribune received this letter from Jose Villarreal who had been locked up for nine years in a SHU solitary confinement unit where prisoners are isolated from human contact. The drawing on this page is his.
Revolutionary greetings to the People’s Tribune!
I hope this letter reaches you all in the best of health and spirits. As you all probably heard, we SHU prisoners have reached a legal agreement with our captors, and as a direct result of this and our collective efforts in struggle, I have been released from SHU!
I was moved out of SHU after nine years of torture. It has been such a beautiful thing to finally feel the sun touch my skin. To shake hands with other human beings and to converse without being accused of “gang activity.” Socializing is a human necessity.
As great as it is to be let out of the torture chamber I know that many more continue to be tortured. So the struggle against this dehumanization continues. We will continue to fight solitary confinement until it has finally been abolished.
Your paper continues to nourish me and I thank you for it. I want all to learn from your refreshing articles. I don’t want to miss an issue of the People’s Tribune.
Editor’s note: The People’s Tribune thanks the readers and prisoners who have donated to the People’s Tribune Prisoner Fund that helps with mailing costs. Send donations to PO Box 3524, Chicago, IL 60654.

PT Logo collage
+ Articles by this author

The People’s Tribune opens its pages to voices of the movement for change. Our articles are written by individuals or organizations, along with our own reporting. Bylined articles reflect the views of the authors. Articles entitled “From the Editors” reflect the views of the editorial board. Please credit the source when sharing: peoplestribune.orgPlease donate to help us keep bringing you voices of the movement for change. Click here. We’re all volunteer, no paid staff. The People’s Tribune is a 501C4 organization.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Featured

ICE Fears Put Pregnant Immigrants and Their Babies at Risk

Fear of deportation is deterring people without permanent legal status from critical care. Doctors are worried for the health of pregnant immigrants, and the health of their pregnancies. This story was originally reported by 19thnews.org.

Government Shutdown and the Blame Game

Using a bold-faced lie President Trump and Vice President Vance blamed immigrants, particularly the undocumented, for the government shutdown now in effect throughout the country. The Republican plan would increase Obamacare payments and make Medicaid cuts.

Emmy-Winning Journalist Deported After Reporting on Anti-Trump Protest

Emmy award-winning journalist Mario Guevara was deported to El Salvador – a country he fled over 20 years ago — in retaliation for filming law enforcement activities, says the Committee to Protect Journalists.

A Salute to Chicagoans Fighting ICE

A salute to Chicagoans fighting ICE and to the food delivery worker on a bicycle who outrode ICE agents after they tried to kidnap him on the streets of downtown Chicago.

Over 60 Lawmakers Launch Investigation Into Trump Administration’s Disappearances

Some Democrats in Congress have announced they are investigating the Trump administration’s practice of disappearing immigrants to other countries.

More from the People's Tribune