Protesters Outside Waupun Prison Want Movement Restrictions Eliminated

A handful of people met outside Waupun Correctional Institution yesterday to protest some living conditions inside the prison that they say is inhumane.

Since March, significant movement restrictions have been placed on inmates causing them to have to eat meals in their cells, have limited recreational activity and are not allowed to have visitors.

Waupun Correctional says the movement restrictions were put in place after a number of instances occurred targeting prison staff. They say it was for the safety of everyone at the prison.

Waupun Correctional has been understaffed which is another reason for the limited movement inside.

Opened in 1854, the prison holds about 1000 inmates but is said to have a maximum capacity of 882. Total staff at the prison according to online records was 432 people.

Protesters in attendance yesterday, including families of inmates and former inmates say this has gone beyond punishment and is now a human rights violation.