Today marks one year since the settlement in CCR’s class-action lawsuit Ashker v. Governor of California, which ended indeterminate long-term solitary confinement in California state prisons. As a result of the settlement, thousands of people who had been held in extreme isolation for more than a decade have been returned to the general prison population, where they are able to place phone calls, have contact visits, and have access to other privileges. Below are photos of friends and family having their first contact visits with loved ones who had been held in isolation for more than a decade.
Gabriel Huerta, who spent 28 years in the SHU, with (L-R) his mother, his wife Irene Huerta, cofounder of California Families Against Solitary Confinement (CFASC), and his sister.
John Martinez with his mother Dolores Canales. It was their first contact in 15 years.
Richard Wembe Johnson, named plaintiff in Ashker v. Governor of California, and his sister.
Victor Gallegos with his family. It was their first contact visit in over 20 years.
Gabriel Huerta, his wife Irene Huerta and Dolores Canales, cofounders of CFASC, and Todd Ashker. This was Todd's first contact visit in over 30 years.
Dolores Canales and Todd Ashker at Todd's first contact visit.
Gabriel Reyes, named plaintiff in Ashker v. Governor of California, with (L-R) his mother Constance and his sisters, Deserie and Barbara.
Sitawa Dewberry & his sister Marie Levin. Sitawa is a named plaintiff in Ashker v. Governor of California and a signer of the historical Agreement to End Hostilities.
