Advocates
from the Interfaith Center of New York and leaders from religious communities
joined in arms to mourn the nine lives lost in custody of the Department of
Corrections this year.
They
said they won’t rest until the jail is shut down for good.
“It’s
not a policy issue,” said Rabbi Margo Robinson-Hughes, “This is an issue of
human rights, this is an issue of human dignity.”
According
to a source from the Muslim Community Network, 90% of the people
incarcerated are awaiting trial, including the nine who died this year.
Mayor
Eric Adams was at Rikers Island today, and after his visit said he will do
whatever it takes to support and protect people in custody and the officers.
The
city is due back in court in November on its Rikers Action Plan to
address the ongoing crisis.