The Virginia State Police investigator seemed puzzled about what the inmate was describing: “unbearable” conditions at a prison so cold that toilet water would freeze over and inmates were repeatedly treated for hypothermia.

“How do you get hypothermia in a prison?” the investigator asked. “You shouldn’t.”

The exchange, captured on video obtained by The Associated Press, took place during an investigation into the death of Charles Givens, a developmentally disabled inmate at the Marion Correctional Treatment Center, who records show was among those repeatedly hospitalized for hypothermia.

After a special grand jury considered the case but opted not to bring criminal charges, Givens’ sister sued in federal court, alleging her brother was subjected to routine mistreatment, including “cold-water torture,” before he was fatally beaten in 2022.

The lawsuit has raised broader questions about conditions at the southwest Virginia prison, which the grand jury described as “inhumane and deplorable.”

          • Coreidan@lemmy.world
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            6 months ago

            Pretty much. “Doing something” in terms of voting has the same outcome as doing nothing.

            The only way we’ll have any real change is if we roll out the guillotines. Are you willing to go there?

            • Flying Squid@lemmy.world
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              6 months ago

              Why are you asking me if I’m willing to when you clearly haven’t done so yourself?

              You should be asking yourself that question.

              • Coreidan@lemmy.world
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                6 months ago

                So you won’t answer the question? I’ll take that as a no. You’re not willing.

                • Flying Squid@lemmy.world
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                  6 months ago

                  No, I’m not willing to commit murder. And clearly neither are you or you’d have done it already. Don’t ask other people to be brave on your behalf. Go start this glorious revolution of yours and stop being an armchair Che Guevara.

                  • Coreidan@lemmy.world
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                    6 months ago

                    Just pointing out the hypocrisy. You’re quick to put everyone down and blame the American public thinking that voting will solve everything. Every candidate is a screaming dickhead.

                    If you’re not willing to actually do anything then you should just stfu otherwise you sound like a hypocrite.

                    I’ve been voting my entire life and have yet to see a candidate that will work for the American public.

                    Listening to people like you is tiring and doesn’t get us anywhere.

            • bane_killgrind@lemmy.ml
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              6 months ago

              There’s some value in bringing some woodworking tools and lumber to city Hall and make yourself one as a performance piece