Self Immolation at Red Onion State Prison by Kevin Rashid Johnson

*Pictures are taken from the internet and are used for illustrative purposes only.

On September 15, 2024, a harrowing incident unfolded at Virginia's Red Onion State Prison, exposing the dire conditions endured by incarcerated individuals. Kevin Rashid Johnson's recent radio essay detailed how Econ and his cellmate, Trayvon Brown, resorted to self-immolation as a desperate escape from the rampant racism, abuse, and inhumane treatment they faced. Econ sustained severe third-degree burns, while his cellmate's injuries were even more critical.

This tragic event is not an isolated occurrence. Within a mere two weeks, a dozen Black men at Red Onion took similar drastic actions, setting themselves on fire. These are not acts of defiance but rather the desperate cries of individuals driven to the brink of despair, seeking any form of relief from their torment.

Via Prison Radio

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