Protest Over Recent Deaths At Rikers Island Prison In New York

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 21: (SPEECH) Edwin Santana, a community organizer with Freedom Agenda, speaks as advocates for de-incarceration and formerly incarcerated individuals rally outside New York State Governor Kathy Hochul midtown Manhattan office after two men died while in custody at the Rikers Island jail complex last week on March 21, 2022, in New York City. Advocates call for de-incarceration thereby reducing the inmate population and the permanent closing of the deteriorating Rikers Island prison. Advocates for de-incarceration demand the release of low-level offenders and the elderly and immunocompromised people. Advocates have complained of inhumane conditions at Rikers Island for decades. Death will continue to mount unless people are de-incarceration and/or the prison is permanently closed. The rally was hosted by #HALTsolitary Campaign, New York City Jails Action Coalition, and Freedom Agenda. (Footage by Tomas Abad/Getty Images)