ACLU Using Aaron Hernandez’s Situation To Criticize Solitary Confinement

The ACLU is taking on a new challenge, ridding the world of solitary confinement. Aaron Hernandez’s situation and the resulting solitary confinement he finds himself in is the example they’re using to criticize solitary confinement.

“Regardless of what you think of Aaron Hernandez, it’s important to take a minute and remember he has not yet been convicted — in the eyes of the law, he is still innocent until proven guilty,” Hilary Krase and Sarah Solon of the ACLU write in an item posted on July 3 at the organization’s website.  “But, while awaiting trial, he has been locked alone in a small room with little or no human interaction for over 20 hours a day.”

It is true, that he hasn’t been convicted yet and is technically innocent until proven guilty in court.

“Extreme isolation can have debilitating psychological effects. Prisoners locked alone in solitary confinement may become depressed or begin hallucinating. Psychologists have said that the effects of prolonged solitary confinement can be irreversible, and anemerging international community has begun to recognize solitary confinement as a form of torture.”

I don’t know why someone in a case like this needs protection in county jail. This is where they put people sitting out tickets, arrested on traffic ticket warrants, DUIs, or for instance Josh Brent for smoking weed while awaiting trial. It is not prison. A over 6 foot tall over 200 pound NFL player surely could take care of himself in general population.