Salvation and Social Justice Outraged by Judge’s Decision to Dismiss Reported Abuse of Women Prisoners - Calls on Authorities to Reverse its Decision

Trenton, NJ- As reported by NJ Spotlight News, fourteen former corrections officers and staff no longer face criminal charges related to the violent overnight cell extractions that resulted in serious injuries to two inmates at New Jersey’s women’s prison in January of 2021.

Racquel Romans-Henry, Policy Director for Salvation and Social Justice (SandSJ) had this to say: 

"We are deeply disappointed and angered by the decision not to bring criminal charges against prison staff involved in the violent attacks on women incarcerated at Edna Mahan. The events that took place on that day, were a cruel violation of basic, God-given, human rights. Rights which must be protected—especially behind prison walls where people are at their most vulnerable. Like it or not, when the state takes away a person’s freedom, it assumes an even greater responsibility to care for their health and well-being.

“Failure to fulfill this responsibility is not only unlawful but also betrays the principles this state claims to uphold.  In New Jersey, thousands are imprisoned in pursuit of so-called justice yet are denied their own as a result of state violence. This is particularly despicable when the state spent decades relentlessly pursuing Assata Shakur, who faced an unjust all-white jury and justice system and a verdict that was suspect at best, all while refusing to bring justice to state-sanctioned officers who sexually abused mostly Black women. It is a shame the state was quick to muddy her name in death yet affirm her critique of this abusive system.

“The absence of indictments for the abuses suffered at Edna Mahan is itself a condemnation of the entire system and those who perpetuate it, fostering a culture where the most vulnerable are denied justice and protection and continue to experience abuse and violence from those charged with their care.

“We cannot continue to claim that prison is a place of rehabilitation while subjecting these women to additional cruelty and violence within its walls. We urge authorities to reconsider this decision and ensure those responsible for this heinous act are held fully accountable."

Salvation and Social Justice (SandSJ) is the lead Black-led, statewide organization whose mission is to advocate to abolish structural racism by shaping public policy, increase civic engagement, providing direct-impact services, and more, in New Jersey. Since 2017, SandSJ has been modeling the hope and resiliency of Black faith--where historically marginalized people move from lament to liberation by advocating, envisioning, and creating their own community-led solutions. From Black Maternal Health to Voter Education, Criminal Justice Reform, Police Accountability and more, SandSJ has been driving campaigns throughout the state to address these issues and hold ‘bad actors’ accountable. For more information, please visit our website: https://www.sandsj.org. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more news and updates.