I would like to request prayers for the inmates and staff after the full-scale prison riot broke out yesterday in Indiana. It occurred after 600 inmates from Arizona were transferred to this prison - 150 of them American Indians. They were transferred due to overcrowding in Arizona and not enough prisoners in Indiana. They said it was because the prisoners refused orders to put their shirts back on.

Yes, I know prisoners are supposed to follow orders, especially at a minimum security prison. However, they should also be treated like human beings while they are serving their punishment before returning to society. Prison terms are supposed to teach people a lesson, not turn them into ferocious animals.

What was NOT reported was the prisoners in Arizona were not told about the transfer. They were rounded up in the middle of the night and transferred. They did not have an opportunity to say good-bye to their families, and now their families won't be able to visit them - it's too far away.

The American Indian prisoners were told they could bring their sacred religious items along. When they arrived, they were told the objects were "accidentally" destroyed or misplaced. However, the State of Indiana frowns on the practice of "Native American Spirituality" in their prison system. They allow them in according to law, but destroy them shortly afterward. A friend of mine has been fighting this issue with the State for years.

These prisoners were originally charged with petty/lesser crimes. This incident and the circumstances leading up to the incident has raised their level of anger. It has also raised the level of anger in their guards and the surrounding community towards the inmates.

Thank you.

KathyM....you've got a pm. hugs

KathyM - they have my prayers.

Thanks Wren

Alffe - It's a privately owned minimum security prison. Why would the worst of the worst reside there? Has the community spoken out about this in the past, and what reason were they given?

If it had been a maximum security prison, I believe even the "worst of the worst" should still have a right to spiritual counsel and family visitation.

Kathy...I deleted my post because I don't think my dh would like me posting that info on this public forum. I will pm you.

Thanks for clearing that up ((Alffe))