Retaliation against Pelican Bay mainline prisoners

by Johnny Aguilar

I was released from Ad-Seg Unit on Aug. 19, 2013, here on B-Yard at Pelican Bay State Prison, 180 Level 4. As of this date, Oct. 2, 2013, B-Yard has been on a particular set program per CDCR, which I will surely reveal to the public. They are entitled to know what we are experiencing inside these prison walls.

Electrified-fence-around-Pelican-Bay-State-Prison-by-Katie-Orr-Capital-Public-Radio, Retaliation against Pelican Bay mainline prisoners, Abolition Now! I received a 115 (Rules Violation Report, or write-up) for peacefully protesting my right to resist solid foods for 35 days, so as I exited Ad Seg, the unit counselor placed me in a special category, “C over C,” which means I’m deemed a program failure, for approximately six months.

I was made to send all my appliances (radio and TV) home. Mind you it wasn’t just myself; it was 100-150 inmates of all races! It’s just another way for CDCR to choose who is on the yard, going to school, learning a trade or obtaining a job.

So as a collective, I brought awareness to the yard that we must push forward by filing complaints (602s). That way we have a paper trail.

We all are 100 percent committed in this struggle for true reform. We will continue to be on standby and ready to resume if need be.

We all also understand and agree as well as respect the end to all hostilities. Some guys have been returned to SHU for validation just for hunger striking and receiving 115 write-ups.

We all are 100 percent committed in this struggle for true reform. We will continue to be on standby and ready to resume if need be.

We are all aware of how CDCR’s manipulation and divisive tactics keep prisoners fighting amongst each other. We will stand strong together and not fall for such tactics. Here on mainline they (CDCR) have continued to oppress us by not allowing those of us who participated in the hunger strike and work stoppage to attend group yard, school or trades training or obtain work. We’re even prohibited from attending religious services and self-help groups such as Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous.

Some guys have been returned to SHU for validation just for hunger striking and receiving 115 write-ups.

These A and B yards do not have pre-parole or other self-help classes or any sort of rehabilitation, which is a set need for parole board hearings.

COs continue to strip us inmates down butt-naked on the concrete walkway for any eligible for group yard. These searches are degrading and uncalled for. CDCR’s excuse is to make sure there are no weapons on the yard, which is ridiculous for there have not been any lethal weapons on this yard for over two years. We don’t even receive mandated 10 hours of yard a week.

Here on mainline they (CDCR) have continued to oppress us by not allowing those of us who participated in the hunger strike and work stoppage to attend group yard, school or trades training or obtain work. We’re even prohibited from attending religious services and self-help groups such as Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous.

We are on rotation of programs – one week Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday, the next week Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday. It’s just another tactic from CDCR to isolate, deprive and oppress. It’s all retaliation for the hunger strike and work stoppage.

This movement will continue to grow in mass numbers to change the prisoncrats’ policy. We stand united in peace to resist our captors’ long-running acts of oppression and send big solid respects to all who are taking a stance in this massive struggle. We thank all the families and friends inside and outside for their support. Stay strong; continue to be brave. We are here with you.

Send our brother some love and light: Johnny Aguilar, Jr., AF-8730, PBSP GP B7-206L, P.O. Box 7500, Crescent City, CA 95532. The Bay View thanks Capitol Public Radio, CapRadio.org, for permission to use the photo.