The Justice Department announced on Wednesday that they are launching a civil rights investigation into the Mississippi Corrections Facilities, following the recent deaths of a dozen inmates, deadly gang activity, and inhumane conditions in the prisons. The investigation is exploring whether or not enough is being done to protect inmates, provide quality mental health care, and prevent suicide.
The investigation comes after Yo Gotti and Jay Z filed a lawsuit against the Mississippi Department of Corrections for the conditions that inmates have been subjected to.
Four facilities will be the main focus of the investigation, including Parchman, the now notorious prison where five inmates were murdered in the span of a week.
In addition to Yo Gotti and Team Roc, Southern Poverty Law Center and other organizations filed a class-action suit on behalf of prisoners. They also
alleged in court docs that the conditions are “causing extreme and preventable suffering for thousands of prisoners in violation of the Eighth Amendment’s prohibition on cruel and unusual punishment.”
Despite seemingly turning a blind eye to the conditions for a while, Governor Tate Reeves said that he welcomes the investigation and appreciates Trump for taking an interest in prison reform.
“We are grateful that President Trump’s administration has taken a focused interest in criminal justice reform and that they care enough about Mississippi to engage on this critical issue,” said Renae Eze, a spokeswoman for the governor.
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