My personal life has taken a drastic turn due to the degrading conditions in Pulaski State Prison. As an inmate, I have lived in constant fear and despair, having been subjected to inhumane treatments such as physical abuse, sexual molestation, extortion, constant threats, indifferent attitudes from official figures and even worse - encouragement to end my life. The gross violation of human rights within these prison walls is a cause for grave concern that cannot be taken lightly.

This is not just my fight but a cause for all prisoners. Incarceration isn't meant to equate to constant physical and mental torment. The United States has the highest incarceration rate in the world, with over 2.3 million people imprisoned (NAACP). Within that figure, a staggering percentage face regular abuse, with the Bureau of Justice Statistics reporting in 2016 that 4% of state and federal prison inmates experienced sexual victimization (Bureau of Justices Statistics, 2016).

In a system that purports justice, we, the inmates, are crying out for just that - Justice. We need urgent reforms to correct these heinous conditions. This includes operational accountability, better prison surveillance to deter violations, improved prisoner treatment standards, and the implementation of strict measures against offenders.

Our voices need to be acknowledged, not suppressed. Our plea for safety should not fall on deaf ears. It's time to reform Pulaski State Prison and ensure the dignity of those within its walls. Stand with me. Let our pleading voices be heard. Sign this petition.