Former Inmates to Describe Psychological Torture at State Supermax Prison During...

Former Inmates to Describe Psychological Torture at State Supermax Prison
During Illinois House Committee Hearing

Former Prisoners, Psychological Experts Testify about Frequent Suicide
Attempts, Self Mutilation and High Rates of Mental Illness at Tamms Prison 10
Years after Opening

What: The Illinois House of Representatives Committee on Prison Reform will
hold a hearing today in Chicago to review the current conditions at Tamms
Supermax Prison--a "supermaximum security" prison in southern Illinois where
prisoners are sent for extra punishment. The prison was intended for
short-term incarceration (1-2 years) during which time prisoners are in
permanent solitary confinement. However, 88 men have been at Tamms since the
prison opened 10 years ago and are being held indefinitely.

At the hearing, former Tamms' prisoners, psychological experts, family members
of current prisoners, and attorneys who have represented Tamms' detainees will
testify about the detrimental effects of prolonged solitary confinement and
the behavior that often results including suicide attempts, self mutilation
and severe mental illness.

When/Where:TODAY, April 28, 2008, 9:30 am
9:30 am: Press conference, in front of Thompson Center
On the plaza, 100 W. Randolph, corner of Randolph and Clark
**In case of rain, press conference will be in Hearing Room 2-025
10:00 am: Hearing, Illinois House Prison Reform Committee
The Thompson Center, 100 W. Randolph, Room 2-025

Who: Dr. Terry Kupers, psychiatrist and professor, expert on psychological
effects of Tamms and other supermax prisons on inmates
Reginald Akkeem Berry, former Tamms' prisoner
IL Rep. Eddie Washington (60th District), chair of Prison Reform Committee
IL Senator Rickey Hendon (5th District)
Mary L. Johnson, mother of inmate who has been at Tamms for 10 years
Jean Maclean Snyder, attorney, represented mentally ill prisoners at Tamms in
prior lawsuit
Locke Bowman, MacArthur Justice Center, represented mentally ill prisoners at
Tamms in prior lawsuit

Visual: 9:00 am, On the plaza in front of the Thompson Center, former Tamms'
inmates and prisoners' family members will chalk off every day that Tamms has
been open (more than 3600 days) on a giant black banner to highlight how long
some inmates have been in permanent isolation.

Why: Supermax prisons like Tamms have been criticized nationally and
internationally for the prolonged isolation of prisoners and the range of
mental and physical problems that often result when people are placed in
permanent solitary confinement for years with little to no human contact. At
Tamms, prisoners are confined to their cells 23-24 hours per day, food is
served in the cell, there are no programs or activities, phone calls are
prohibited, and prisoners often hear nothing but constant screaming or
banging.

Dr. Kupers, who will be testifying at the hearing, writes, "It is in this
context of near- total isolation and idleness that psychiatric symptoms emerge
in previously healthy prisoners. In less healthy ones, there is psychosis,
mania or compulsive acts of self-abuse or suicide."

Nationally, supermaxes are on the decline with some closing or converting to
regular maximum security prisons due to questions about the impacts and
effectiveness of permanent solitary confinement, as well as the high cost of
running supermax prisons. According to the Illinois Department of
Corrections, the average annual cost of housing a prisoner at Tamms is two to
three times as much as any other adult prison in Illinois.

Mental health professionals, prisoners' family members, attorneys and
advocates are calling on the Illinois House of Representatives to end
psychological torture at Tamms.

For more information:
Nora Ferrell, 312-408-2580 x 24
773-510-4819 (cell)
Laurie Jo Reynolds,
773-505-3896 (cell)

/PRNewswire-USNewswire -- April 28/

SOURCE MacArthur Justice Center