Human rights group fighting for Yuma Prison Complex inmates

"The further away we don't acknowledge the humanity behind bars, the further away we are leaving out humanity."

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - The Puente Human Rights Movement (PHRM) is fighting for the early release of certain inmates, as well as transparency from the Arizona Department of Corrections on the conditions inmates are living inside the prison during the pandemic.

PHRM says they are a community platform, where they amplify the voices of the unheard.

In this case, they amplify the voices of the inmates at prisons across Arizona.

A few weeks ago, the movement made it's way to the Arizona Prison Complex in Yuma, to protest the living conditions the inmates are forced to live in while there is a COVID-19 outbreak within its walls.

Jovana Renteria, Co-Director of PHRM has a brother currently serving his sentence at the Yuma Prison Complex. She says her brother has preexisting health conditions, and she is worried if he were to get sick.

In letters received by Yuma Prison Complex inmates who wish to remain anonymous, because of fears of retaliation, they say:

"We are very scared for our lives because COVID-19 is here, and it's spreading like wildfire."

"My neighbor who sleeps right beside me tested positive... I have the symptoms, but have been denied a swab test."

"If we have flu-like symptoms, we are told to put in a health request, with almost a 24-hour window before being seen."

News 11 reached out to the Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation, and Reentry (ADCRR) regarding the early release of inmates and was referred back to a story by KOLD in Tucson where they say Governor Doug Ducey released the following statement:

“We will not be releasing prisoners. We’re going to protect public health and public safety and the Department of Corrections, Reentry and Rehabilitation is working with public health officials and following CDC guidance for correctional facilities.”

The ADCRR also stated in regards to inmates being tested:

"ADCRR remains in compliance with CDC guidance and Department Infectious Disease Protocols by separating any inmates who exhibit flu-like symptoms from the general population, and by closely monitoring them and providing all necessary and appropriate clinical care by medical staff. "

The Puente Human Rights Movement wants people to come together, to help give inmates a second chance to escape the virus that has hit the prison.