"The indictment of 29 alleged gang
members for attacks on inmates and staff at Rikers Island is yet another stark
example of why this jail complex must be shut down—and 10 years is too long to
wait.
"Rikers is a savage and inhumane
jail that has ruined the lives of too many New Yorkers. Most of its 7,000
inmates have not been found guilty of anything and are simply waiting for their
day in court—some of them waiting for years. Many are subject to violence and
abuse, as underscored by the charges brought by the Bronx District Attorney's
office.
"This year, New York State ensured
the majority of 16 and 17-year-olds will be removed from Rikers Island. It's
time that New York City step up to the plate with a real plan to close this
jail on a rapidly accelerated timeline.
"Saying it will take 10 years is
tantamount to saying we have no real plan to close it. 10 years may see three
different Mayors and three different City Councils. This proposed closing plan
will have no relevance to those administrations—Governor Cuomo, for example, is
not 10 years later implementing Governor Spitzer's plans.
"ln short, this 10-year timeline
ignores the urgent need for action now. 10 years condemns thousands more young
people to be abused by Rikers. How many people have to die and how many lives
have to be ruined to make government act? We need action now."
Source:
Press Office, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo
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