Alabama Inmate Activists Sent to Solitary Confinement Amid Controversy

MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Three prominent inmate activists from Alabama, who played a significant role in a 2022 prison strike and were featured in an Oscar-nominated documentary, have been transferred to solitary confinement, according to their attorneys.

Robert Earl Council, Melvin Ray, and Raoul Poole were moved to isolated cells at Kilby Correctional Facility, sparking fears among family members that this action is a retaliation for their outspoken criticism of the prison system.

Julie Sledd, a close associate of Poole, described the situation as "straight-up retaliation," emphasizing their commitment to advocating for the rights of incarcerated individuals.

These activists were highlighted in “The Alabama Solution,” a documentary that used cell phone footage to expose issues within the state's prison system, and they have been nominated for an Academy Award in the documentary category.

Sledd has had limited communication with Poole since the transfer, reporting that the men are isolated on a heavily supervised floor and have been cut off from contact with their families and other inmates.

Attorneys representing the activists stated that the prison officials provided no justification for the transfers, claiming that the measures implemented exceed typical administrative segregation protocols.

They expressed grave concerns for the trio's safety, citing a history of excessive force within the Alabama Department of Corrections and previous incidents of violence against Council.

In response to inquiries, the Alabama Department of Corrections cited security reasons for the transfers but did not elaborate on specific threats. Officials stated that the transfers were based on intelligence suggesting that the inmates engaged in activities harmful to facility safety.

Family members have reported difficulty in obtaining information about their loved ones. Earnestine Council mentioned a lack of communication with her son, while Ann Brooks, Ray's mother, noted that although her son managed to call his brother once, she has been unable to reach him.

The transfers occur as calls for a new prison labor strike emerge, reminiscent of the significant strike in 2022 when thousands of inmates protested against their working conditions.

Recent reports indicate that prison authorities have restricted the amount of food and items inmates can purchase at the commissary, potentially to prevent stockpiling ahead of any labor actions.

Director Andrew Jarecki of “The Alabama Solution” expressed concern for the activists' well-being, highlighting the irony of their situation as they advocate for peaceful reforms yet face hostility from authorities.