Seven Florida State Prison inmates remain on hunger strike

Associated Press
Feb 4, 2004

STARKE, Fla. - Seven inmates were still refusing meals Wednesday at Florida State Prison, marking the fourth day of their hunger strike, a Department of Corrections spokesman said.

The inmates claim prison officials are denying the residents of Q wing, a disciplinary housing area, basic human needs such as recreation, decent food, visitation and access to canteen items.

The hunger strike began Sunday with eight inmates, but one inmate resumed eating Monday night.

A rally supporting the hunger strikers was scheduled Wednesday night at Florida State Prison during the execution of Johnny Robinson.

The 24 inmates on Q wing are considered by the DOC as the worst of the worst prisoners. Their cells are directly above the state's execution chamber.

Prison officials would force-feed the inmates if their lives were endangered.

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/florida/sfl-24hungerstrike,0,4313190.story?coll=sfla-news-florida