‘Rikers equals death’: Street demonstration symbolic of growing public pressure on city to close jail for good

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“Rikers equals death,” and the only solution to save those housed at the facility is to close the jail and send the inmates elsewhere, criminal justice activists said.

The latest effort to bring public attention to the humanitarian crisis on Rikers Isand occurred on Oct. 1, when prior to a state Assembly hearing, protesters demanded action during rally at City Hall Park in Lower Manhattan.

“Let our people go,” protesters chanted as they held signs demanding those imprisoned be freed, before listing the names of those who’ve perished on Rikers Island.

“I am here to let the elected officials know that our loved ones are on Rikers Island, and they do not deserve to feel as though they are cast away and out of sight and mind. They are being pushed to their limits mentally and physically every day. If our mayor, governor, judges, and DAs do not decarcerate they will contribute to the demise of hundreds of people,” said Crystal Clarke, member of Freedom Agenda and a partner of a person incarcerated on Rikers Island.