CONTACT: Mariah McGough, mariah@vocal-ny.org 

VOCAL-NY APPLAUDS MAYOR MAMDANI’S COMMITMENT TO END SOLITARY CONFINEMENT IN CITY JAILS

VOCAL-NY Supports the Full Implementation of Local Law 42 

NEW YORK – In response to news that Mayor Mamdani has committed to enacting Local Law 42 and ending solitary confinement in NYC jails. VOCAL-NY released the following statement, attributed to Civil Rights Union Leader Roger Clark. 

“Solitary confinement is torture and must end. The City Council agreed and passed Local Law 42 two years ago only to have it undermined and blocked by the previous administration. Thank you to Mayor Mamdani for doing what’s right. It’s refreshing to have real leadership on this issue at City Hall.” 

Background: New York City Council passed Local Law 42 in December 2023 and then overrode a Mayoral veto in early 2024. The Mayor then declared a state of emergency at Rikers Island, which he then repeatedly extended in order to circumvent the law and not implement it.

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