The movement for prisoners' rights
is based on the principle that prisoners
, even though they are deprived of liberty
, are still entitled to basic human rights
. Advocates for prisoners' rights argue that they are often deprived of very basic human rights, with the cooperation of the prison authorities. Alleged violations often include:
- Prison authorities turning a blind eye to assault or rape of prisoners, failing to take sufficient steps to protect prisoners from assault or rape, or even allegedly arranging for prisoners to be assaulted or raped by other inmates as a form of punishment (see prisoner rape)
- Providing insufficient treatment for serious medical conditions
- Refusing freedom of expression, to read materials, and communicate (particularly in cases of foreign languages in prisons)
- Punishing prisoners who raise complaints about bad conditions
- Taking away prisoners' rights to sue prison officials or governments for maltreatment, or to receive compensation for injuries caused by the negligence of prison authorities.
- Depriving inmates of freedom of religion.
- Blockading inmates rights to legal materials and access to the courts.
- Not properly feeding and clothing the prisoner.
Some in the prisoners' rights movement also advocate:
Working for Prisoners' Rights