katydid23
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I think that is a very important discussion about semantics. 'Solitary Confinement' in its standard form can be severe and cruel. And yet we see that RA's situation seems different in important ways.The prison section is called solitary confinement, per the prison. It’s not a discussion in semantics over whether he has contact with other people in general.
Here is standard definition of Solitary Confinement:
While there is no universally agreed definition of solitary confinement – often also called ‘segregation’, ‘isolation’, ‘lockdown’ or ‘super-max’ – it is commonly understood to be the physical isolation of individuals who are confined to their cells for 22 to 24 hours a day, and allowed only minimal meaningful interaction with others.
Contact with family or visitors is often restricted or denied altogether, despite the fact that contact with family in particular, has been shown to be an important factor in successful rehabilitation.
Solitary confinement increases the risk of torture or ill-treatment going unnoticed and undetected, and it can in itself constitute torture and ill-treatment, in particular where it is prolonged or indefinite.
OK, RA had his own tablet, with which he could call family or friends whenever he felt like it. He could watch films and listen to music. So this does not fit with the usual definition of 'solitary' confinement. Contact with friends and family was not restricted.
And there were trustees who stood just outside his cell and many conversed with him.
As to 'torture or mistreatment going unnoticed'---he was being filmed and watched 24/7, for his own protection. There was no indication that he was actually being tortured or mistreated, in spite of the D's claims.
There are two incidents of him being tased but that is what happens to any of the inmates if they defy the guards. That does not rise to the level of torture.
As to his psychosis, there are a few potential causes. It was probably a combination of al of them. Depression from being incarcerated and charged with a serious crime, mixed with longstanding MH issues and possibly exacerbated by feelings of guilt and remorse. JMO
They discuss in detail in testimony yesterday about RA being housed in solitary confinement, the hole, the shoo, administrative segregation, whatever synonym you want to use.
This is directly from the prison staff who work at the prison and once the transcripts are released we can read for ourselves.
MOO
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