He Was Sick, So They Sent Him to Prison
New York jails can transfer people with mental illnesses to maximum security prisons, even while they’re legally innocent.
“Solitary is just not right or built for people. You can’t retake your mind from the hurt of knowing that the outside world is going on without you.”
“I begged the people at Attica to please get Alex to a hospital.”
Asked if it has the capacity to treat people with severe mental health needs, a spokesperson for the prison department replied: “Yes.”
December 21, 2023 — This story has been updated with a statement the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office sent after publication. The office declined to elaborate on Mirzaoff’s case, citing HIPAA regulations.