Contact:
David Liners, 414-736-2099 or Mark Rice, 608-843-0171
Formerly Incarcerated Leaders Call on Governor Walker to End Crimeless Revocation and Close MSDF
WHEN: Thursday, June 29, 2017, 5:00-7:00pm
6pm Procession to MSDF for Prayer Vigil to Honor 17 people who died while in MSDF. Helium Balloons for each plus
WHERE: Milwaukee Area Technical College
700 W. State Street, Room M605
WHAT: Hundreds of faith leaders, community advocates, and formerly incarcerated people will gather at Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) and then march to the Milwaukee Secure Detention Facility (MSDF) to launch a campaign led by EX-Prisoners Organizing (EXPO) to close the prison. People incarcerated at MSDF are locked in their cells for 22 hours a day without access to outdoor recreation, denied in-person visits, and suffer routine abuses including extreme heat and poor ventilation, causing severe medical problems and even death. Many people subjected to these deplorable conditions have not been charged with new crimes but are at MSDF due to crimeless revocation – the practice of re-incarcerating people on probation, parole, and extended supervision for minor rule violations. Thousands of others, who did not get revocated, are temporarily held in MSDF while their agents investigate allegations of rule violations.
James Wilborn, who was an EXPO leader, died in MSDF during the summer of 2015. The extreme heat inside the facility was a factor in his death, as was his inability to obtain medications that he needed. He should never have been incarcerated there. With the launch of the campaign to close MSDF, EXPO calls on Governor Walker to face the fact that crimeless revocation is a failed policy, a waste of money, and an embarrassment to Wisconsin.
The event will include a panel discussion featuring EXPO members who have been incarcerated at MSDF, a premiere of a documentary by independent filmmaker Tim Coursen, remarks from Janos Marton of the New York City #CLOSErikers Campaign, and a prayer vigil outside MSDF to honor those who have died in captivity there.
WHO: EX-Prisoners Organizing (EXPO) joined by members of WISDOM and the New York City #CLOSErikers Campaign.
MORE INFO: Find more information on the event page.
