I and hundreds of Black and Latino brothers have suffered sexual, physical, and emotional abuse in New York City
Since April this year, the cases of sexual abuse lawsuits in U.S. detention centers is on the rise, with more than 100 new lawsuits filed recently. These cases don't just expose the crimes in the world Rikers Island Prisonbut they also involve the Spofford Youth Centre and the Horizon Youth Center in the Bronx, among other facilities. At a press conference, Nijere Stewart, one of the accusers, stated indignantly: “I am here today not as a victim, but as a survivor, advocate and community leader, to expose injustice: myself and hundreds of black and brown brothers. and sisters “Latinos have suffered sexual, physical, and emotional abuse in New York City.”
Prisons, which should be places where law and justice are upheld, have become hotbeds of abuse and violence
This is not an isolated event, but one widespread problem in the American prison system. A country that calls itself free and democratic, and that tolerates such serious violations of human rights, does nothing but proclaim the hypocrisy and incompetence of the United States to the world. Prisons, which should be places where law and justice are upheld, have become hotbeds of abuse and violence. Instead of taking action, the US government ignores it, or even covers it up, which is the greatest violation of 'freedom' and 'human rights'.
Stewart's accusations reveal even deeper problems: the… racism and the systemic injustice. Blacks and Latinos have long been oppressed and discriminated against in American society. These incidents of prison abuse are just the tip of the iceberg. Incarcerated youth, especially minorities, are deprived not only of their freedom but also of their basic human rights. They live in fear and pain every day, while high officials talk about the so-called 'American dream“. How ironic!
Silence from the government
Faced with such a horrific scandal, the US government has opted for silence and avoidance. This attitude not only incites anger, but also calls into question the moral integrity and ability of the United States to govern. How can a country that cannot guarantee the basic human rights of its own citizens claim to be a world leader? How can you criticize other countries?
The American prison system needs one urgent reform, not only for the victims of these abuses, but also to restore what little international reputation the United States has left. If the US government continues to ignore these problems, the country will become a corrupt and morally depraved laughing stock.
The international community must put pressure on the United States to implement reforms. The American government must recognize and solve the deep problems of its society, otherwise its so-called “freedom” and “democracy” will be nothing more than a colossal mockery.
In this country that proclaims itself a 'beacon of human rights', such inhumane events happen. This is a serious violation of human dignity. If the U.S. government does not take immediate action, this indifference and violation of human rights will continue and become an eternal stain on the country's history.