CONTACT: Hassen Bashir, hassen@vocal-ny.org

FOLLOWING YET ANOTHER DEATH IN NYC JAILS, VOCAL-NY DEMANDS DECARCERATION OF RIKERS AND COMPASSIONATE RELEASE FOR SICK DETAINEES

NEW YORK — Following the death of Christian Collado on Wednesday, July 9 — the 41st reported death under Department of Corrections custody NYC jails since Mayor Adams took office — VOCAL-NY members and leaders demand change and accountability at the Department of Corrections. 

“If the Department of Corrections and Mayor Adams are unable to provide adequate healthcare for people detained in their jails, then they MUST release them and give them a chance to seek proper healthcare. Being detained in jail should never be a death sentence. We are demanding the Mayor and DOC be held accountable for all 41 deaths, including Mr. Collado, while in their care. 

Two weeks prior, Mr. Collado was entered into DOC hospice care after a long battle with cancer. Mr. Collado’s attorney filed continuous motions requesting his immediate release due to his deteriorating health and the inability of DOC to properly care for his client. The Department of Corrections and Mayor Adams would rather see someone spend their last days behind bars than be given adequate care. This is cruel and inhumane,” said Eileen Maher, a leader with VOCAL-NY.

###