Virginia Prisoners Hunger Strike at Red Onion State Prison

On Tuesday, December 26, 2023, several prisoners confined at Virginia’s Red Onion State Prison began a hunger strike to protest the continued use of long-term solitary confinement within the institution.Despite critical concern, outcry from the public and prisoner populations in the state, incarcerated people are still subjected to this brutal practice which has been renamed “restorative housing” since July 1, 2023 when measures were passed to limit its use in the state.  

Leading these prisoners in this effort is longtime prison activist, revolutionary writer and artist, Kevin “Rashid” Johnson. Rashid has stated that no one will take any food at all until demands are met. Some of the strike participants have underlying health concerns that make the undertaking of such a demonstration particularly risky. Rashid, himself, is recovering from multiple rounds of radiation to treat prostate cancer as well as suffering from untreated heart disease/congestive heart failure. This is why the public’s support is especially needed. We are asking that calls, emails, and letters be sent to the Virginia Department of Corrections (VADOC) officials as well as Virginia governor Glenn Youngkin’s office voicing support for the strikers and condemnation for the inhumane use of long-term solitary confinement/restorative housing.

Red Onion Hunger Strike Participants:

• Kevin “Rashid” Johnson – #1007485
• Jason Barrett – #1092874
• Rodney Lester – #1429887
• Charles Cousino – #2213403
• Eric Thompson – #1208012
• Joe Thomas – 1193196
• Nguyen Tuan – #1098070
• Demetrius Walllace – #1705834
• Gregory Binns – #1157265
• P. Williams – #2103207
• DeQuan Saunders – #1458253
• J. Hilliard – #1988319
• Ray Galloway – #1407902
• Gregory Azeez – #1421616

Who To Contact:

VADOC~ Central Administration; USPS—P.O. Box 26963; Richmond, VA 23261

David Robinson Phone~ 804-887-8078, Email: david.robinson@vadoc.virginia.gov

Virginia DOC ~ Director, Chadwick S Dotson, Phone~ (804) 674-3081 Email: Chadwick.Dotson@vadoc.virginia.gov

VADOC ~Central Administration

Rose L. Durbin, Phone~804-887-7921Email: Rose.Durbin@vadoc.virgina.gov

Beth Cabell, Division of Institutions
beth.cabell@vadoc
(804)834-9967

Gov. Glenn Youngkin
(804)786-2211
glenn.youngkin@governor.virginia.gov