Alabama inmates stage protest at 2 prisons

Saturday, January 4, 2014

MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Inmates at two Alabama prisons are protesting over pay and other issues, prompting correction officials to restrict inmate movement at one prison.

Department of Corrections spokesman Brian Corbett said Saturday that the protests at the St. Clair and Holman correctional facilities have been peaceful. Prisoner movement has been restricted at the St. Clair prison.

Since New Year's Day, at least some prisoners have refused to work in kitchen and laundry areas and perform other jobs. Corbett said some prisoners want pay for their work. Prisoners have also voiced concerns about the court system.

Pastor Kenneth Glasgow said he has received phones calls and emails from several dozen family members of inmates involved in the protest. He said that besides pay, the prisoners are also protesting overcrowding and sanitation issues.