Alabama Inmates and Families Demand Justice for Forced Labor Scheme

Families of current and former inmates in Alabama protested outside the state Capitol, sharing stories and concerns about the conditions inside state prisons with lawmakers. They highlighted issues such as violence, lack of transparency regarding inmate deaths, and the denial of parole for free labor. The families blamed recent laws and an executive order for exacerbating these problems. Lawmakers acknowledged the issues but stated that their long-term solution is to build a new specialized men's prison and close three others.