Demonstrators push for ‘limited use’ of solitary confinement

"I may look presentable, I may look like I'm carrying myself in a well manner, but the abuse and the torture I suffered and endured throughout the facility, and high security is going to permanently stay with me for the rest of my life. And I know for a fact, that its effecting everyone still behind the walls," said Joseph Shepard.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE)- A rally Tuesday in Providence called for limited use of solitary confinement at Rhode Island prisons.

Demonstrators voiced their dissatisfaction with the state’s high security prison, designed for long term isolation, nearly 24 hours a day.

A former prisoner told ABC6 he spent three and a half years in solitary confinement at the Adult Correctional Institutions (ACI).

“I may look presentable, I may look like I’m carrying myself in a well manner, but the abuse and the torture I suffered and endured throughout the facility, and high security is going to permanently stay with me for the rest of my life. And I know for a fact, that its effecting everyone still behind the walls,” said Joseph Shepard.

The demonstrators are looking to pass the ‘Restrictive Housing Act’, which would reduce the use of solitary confinement to no more than 15 days a month.