Late last month, a top aide to Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) announced that pregnant women in New York jails would be launched if they had fewer than six months left on their sentences and were convicted of nonviolent offenses.
However more than two weeks later on, at least 4 pregnant females remain at Bedford Hills Reformatory, where the coronavirus outbreak has actually infected 42 individuals and killed one. The delay has actually caused 2 other women who were eligible for release to deliver in custody, according to the Legal Aid Society.
” We do not understand if it is bureaucratic incompetence, a disingenuous interpretation of Cuomo’s direction, or merely the criminal justice system’s inhumane rigidity that is keeping these females secured,” said Sophie Gebreselassie, personnel lawyer with the Prisoners’ Rights Task at the Legal Aid Society. “What we do know is that they and their soon to be born kids remain at risk of grievous harm and should be launched instantly.”
A representative for the Department of Corrections and Community Guidance said that eight pregnant or postpartum females have been released from Bedford Hills and 2 more individuals are anticipated to transition to the community next week. The department is continuing to review cases for eligibility.
Cuomo’s workplace did not instantly react to an ask for comment.
Prisons are perfect