Advocates Urge Cuomo To Release Vulnerable Inmates in New York

Original published at: https://nystateofpolitics.com/state-of-politics/new-york/ny-state-of-politics/2020/04/13/advocates-urge-cuomo-to-release-vulnerable-inmates-in-new-york

By Nick Reisman

Criminal justice and prison inmates groups on Sunday continued to urge Gov. Andrew Cuomo to release vulnerable inmates from state prisons after a third person died behind bars from coronavirus.

Newly released data from the state Department of Corrections and Community Supervisor show 131 inmates and 522 prison staff have tested positive for the virus.

Advocates in a statement backed by Release Aging People in Prison Campaign, Parole Preparation Project, #HALTsolitary Campaign, VOCAL-NY, Worth Rises, and Jim Owles Liberal Democratic Club believe the infection rate is far higher.

“It is just a matter of time before many of these people and countless others die behind bars with COVID-19,” the groups said said.

Cuomo has said the state is taking precautions to limit the spread of the virus in prisons.