ACLU and ACLU of Georgia Support Lawmakers’ Letter Urging DOJ to Prioritize Fulton County Jail investigation

ATLANTA, GA— The ACLU of Georgia and ACLU today announced their support of a letter written by Sens. Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff and Rep. Nikema Williams, urging the Department of Justice to prioritize its investigation of the Fulton County Jail.

The lawmakers are requesting a briefing on the status of the investigation amid continuing deaths at the facility and civil rights violations endured by the people in confinement. The DOJ announced its investigation on July 13, 2023. Since that time, at least seven people have died in the custody of Fulton County.

The below quote can be attributed to Fallon McClure, ACLU of Georgia Deputy Director of Policy & Advocacy:

“We thank Senators Warnock and Ossoff, and Representative Williams for their commitment to saving lives during the crisis at the Fulton County Jail. The ACLU of Georgia will continue its work to identify the consequences of unnecessary incarceration and implore the Department of Justice to use whatever means necessary to require Fulton County to provide constitutionally sound conditions for those in custody.”

The below quote can be attributed to Nina Patel, ACLU Senior Policy Counsel:

“Every person held at Fulton County jail lives in continual risk of harm and death due to unsanitary, overcrowded, and inhumane conditions. Senators Warnock and Ossoff, and Representative Williams are right to demand the Department of Justice prioritize its investigation into the facility. Each day that goes by without action is another day that could result in the tragic and unacceptable loss of life.”

Read the entire letter here.