Truthout
Prisons & Policing

More Women Are Being Incarcerated as Jail Populations Near Pre-COVID Levels
The number of women in jail increased by almost 6 percent from 2021 to 2022 -- three times the rate of men.

Let 2023 Be the Year of Dismantling Incarceration
I asked organizers working to dismantle incarceration what is giving them hope for 2023. Here’s what they shared.

Prison Abolition Has to Be a Priority in the Fight to Overcome Fascism.
The oppressive and deadly tactics used on incarcerated people are directly linked to the spread of fascism.

Cori Bush Pushes to Stop Missouri’s Execution of Amber McLaughlin
Her plea pointed out the “moral depravity” of the death penalty.

Local Alabama Police Arrested 82-Year-Old Woman for Overdue Trash Bill
A society based on human needs would help a retiree with a trivial household problem instead of sending cops.

As Temperature Drops, Incarcerated People Brace for Dangerously Cold Conditions
For the millions of people incarcerated in the U.S., freezing temperatures amid failing infrastructure can be deadly.

Marijuana Law Reached Peak Absurdity in 2022
As cannabis startups struggle, consumers get “legally” high on sketchy synthetics sold in prohibition states.

Six Charged With Domestic Terrorism for Protesting Atlanta’s “Cop City”
The Forest Defenders were urging Atlanta officials to invest in communities, not more policing.

These Incarcerated Organizers Won Their Freedom. Now They Face Deportation.
After decades in prison, they were paroled and organized for immigrant rights. Pardons would prevent their deportation.

Congress Has One Last Chance to Abolish the Crack Cocaine Sentencing Disparity
Merrick Garland’s recent memo was an important first step, but only Congress can fully end the sentencing disparities.