First-hand Report: Hunger Strike in GA Prison

The following letter from an inmate who writes that they have started a hunger strike in a Georgia Prison was originally published by the Atlanta Anarchist Black Cross.

My name is Charles Shepard #1001527186. I am housed in the Georgia Diagnostic & Classification Prison – Special Management Unit (SMU).

Anyhow, there is a class action against this prison headed by Human Rights Attorney Ryan Primerano, phone # (404)688-1202 extension (404)688-9440.

I hate the system! Have been fighting them for almost 20 years. Anyhow, I have organized a hunger strike involving approx. 8 inmates, with more to join. This will start 1-30-18. I need the public to know. I will try to explain our situation, my hands hurt as I have been writing all day.

We are not receiving Recreation at all. Some people do, but the majority of us have been placed on Red. Restriction which is illegal. When you first arrive here, you don’t receive it at all for 90 days.

Our property is held for 90 days. Religious, legals, personal mail, hygiene. We don’t receive proper cell sanitation. Our food portions are very small. Our counselors don’t come around when they are supposed to. We are not given books to read. And many other issues.

I was told a little about what you do and am very interested in getting involved. I’m down to 18 months left, but have some new bogus charges that I’m representing myself in. I’m 37, white male, associate’s degree in psychology; theology and currently studying law; language; Islam and electronics. I’m very intelligent and hate the government. I am a Muslim (not a terrorist) I am actually Sunni. I am very interested in corresponding with anyone who wants to and can discuss just about any subject, will accept mail from any race, religion, sex or creed.

Please do what you can to get my info out there in the mainstream. Mailing info:

Charles Shepart #1001527186
GDCP SMU LE 208
P.O. Box 3877
Jackson, GA 30233