{
"type": "rich",
"version": "1.0",
"provider_name": "Action Network",
"provider_url": "https://actionnetwork.org",
"html": "",
"author_name": "MDCDSA Abolition Working Group",
"author_url": "https://actionnetwork.org/groups/metro-dc-dsa-abolition",
"title": "Defend Rashid Johnson from Retaliation for Exposing Prison Abuse!",
"thumbnail_url": "https://actionnetwork.org//images/generic_facebook.jpg",
"description": "Purpose: Demand accountability for Virginia prison officials’ retaliation against Kevin “Rashid” Johnson (#1007485) for exposing systemic abuse, racism, and censorship at Keen Mountain and Red Onion State Prisons. BACKGROUND On March 5, 2024, Kevin “Rashid” Johnson was issued retaliatory disciplinary charges and a 45-day phone ban after participating in a Prison Riot Radio interview about incarcerated individuals at Red Onion State Prison who self-immolated to protest racism, abuse, and broken reform promises. Officials also attempted to cut off his JPAY email access on March 3, a critical tool for reporting abuses. Rashid’s call (transcript at bottom of email) details escalating repression against whistleblowers, including assaults, mail destruction, and communication bans targeting Ekong Eshiet, Charles Coleman, and Demetrius Wallace. From Rashid’s call: “Prison officials barred me from using the telephone for 45 days for speaking about Red Onion, where guys set themselves on fire to protest ongoing abuse. Those who spoke out, like Ekong Eshiet and Demetrius Wallace, were beaten, had their mail destroyed, and lost communication access. They’re now trying to censor my JPAY and extend this retaliation through sham charges.” Please use this tool to send emails to demand accountability and defend Rashid Johnson from retaliatory disciplinary charges for reporting on documented abuses in Keen Mountain and Red Onion State Prisons.",
"url": "https://actionnetwork.org/letters/defend-rashid-johnson-from-retaliation-for-exposing-prison-abuse"
}