America's
Concerns

Letter

Muslim Women in Louisiana Prison
Undergoing Violations of Their Basic Rights

December 4, 2003

Section Chief
Special Litigation Section
Deputy Shanetta Cutler
Department of Justice - Civil Rights
Patrick Henry Bldg # 5034
950 Pennsylvania Ave, NW
Washington, DC  20530

Dear Ms. Cutler:

Re: Brutality and Torture of Muslim Women at Louisiana Correctional Institute for Women (LCIW)

The Louisiana Correctional Institute for Women in St. Gabriel needs to be investigated for reports of direct, blatant civil, religious and human rights violations especially directed at two Muslim women. Sisters Maryam Uloho and Lisa Jackson have been complaining of brutal treatment, retaliation and discrimination at the hands of prison guards. Ms. Jackson names M/Sgt Holden, SgtCooper, Sgt Williams, Sgt Bell and MJ Jones as some of the perpetrators. Sister Lisa Jackson, who is up for parole soon, is suffering from lack of sleep and eating because of her brutal treatment. Sister Maryam Uloho has had her shoulder dislocated by a prison guard. The guard that attacked Maryam Uloho and dislocated her shoulder should be brought up on charges and dismissed. She is unable to receive packages of basic needs of religious items because she is being punished for refusing sex with a staff member at LCIW. Is this a state run correctional facility or a concentration camp? These women have the right to be treated humanly even while incarcerated.

Enclosed I have provided copies of letters I have written. Several of us have called and written the warden of LCIW, Johnny Jones, to no avail. Why aren't our calls returned about these two women?

How can these women be rehabilitated to reenter society with reports of these types of abuses going on at this facility? I seek your urgent help in investigating this facility and your help in keeping Sister Mary Uloho and Lisa Jackson safe. Thank you.

Regards,


Ms. Motisola M. Abdallah