Juvenile offenders being held at Angola must move out by next week.
That’s the decision from a judge after lawyers for the teens argued the conditions at Angola were inhumane and unconstitutional.
David Utter is lead counsel for the teens and executive director of Fair Fight Initiative.
The organization, along with ACLU pushed to get the teens out of the Louisiana state penitentiary.
In October, the minors were transferred to Angola over housing and security issues, there were riots and multiple escapes at the Youth Detention Centers. Utter claims the youth offenders were handcuffed and shackled when showering, and journaling and deprived of their right to an education.
“Nobody should view this as a victory it’s a relief. We now know that after 10 months of mistreatment and being placed in intolerable conditions of confinement, it will now stop,” said Utter.
The Office of Juvenile Justice released a statement expressing disappointment over the judge’s ruling, saying, “While we disagree with the court’s ruling today, and we will be seeking an emergency writ, we will continue to explore every option available to us that ensures the safety of staff, community members and youth in our care.”
Source: WDSU News