The Price Of Complaining About Illness Was Violence

Handcuffs on table
William Anderson
April 30, 2020

Bradford Skinner is serving time for a parole violation in a work release program at the East Baton Rouge Work Release facility. 

When he started feeling sick with coronavirus (COVID-19)-like symptoms, those in charge reacted in the WORST way possible.

Skinner was initially given “honey, ginger, and lemon, and told ... to make tea to treat his ailments” by medical staff. That didn’t work. 

When he told them he thought he might have COVID-19, the warden threatened him, according to his attorney. And then it got much worse.

When he went to another official for help, they threatened him again and then choked him to the point of unconsciousness! It was all caught on camera too. 

Now, he’s been charged with trying to escape and inciting a riot! East Baton Rouge jail is known for its troubling problems.

East Baton Rouge has jailed people in “abysmal conditions,” at a much higher rate, than other places in Louisiana. It’s only decreasing now because of COVID-19. 

Seeing the abuse of people inside any of these facilities is horrific, and Louisiana still has to address these issues!

Louisiana has had a troubling COVID-19 explosion, and as a major prison state it runs the risk of making things worse for the public if it doesn’t prioritize EVERYONE’s health. 

Black people inside prison facilities that bear the brunt of this pandemic deserve to have their health taken seriously!

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