Virginia’s Red Onion State Prison, a supermax facility long criticized for its harsh conditions, is under renewed scrutiny after reports surfaced of six incarcerated men inflicting self-harm by tampering with electrical outlets to cause burns, Elizabeth Weill-Greenberg of The Appeal reported Tuesday. These incidents, confirmed by the Virginia Department of Corrections to The Appeal (VADOC), have raised alarms among advocates and lawmakers about the facility’s treatment of inmates.
A Desperate Cry for Help
The self-harm incidents, which began earlier this year and intensified in September, have been described as acts of desperation by prisoners seeking transfers out of Red Onion. Incarcerated journalist Kevin “Rashid” Johnson, who broke the story for Prison Radio, reported that the men saw these actions as their only way to escape the alleged mistreatment and isolation at the facility.
One inmate, Ekong Eshiet, shared his harrowing experience through an audio recording, alleging that he faced discrimination based on his race, last name, or religion. “I don’t mind setting myself on fire again,” Eshiet said. “This time, I would set my whole body on fire before I have to stay up here and do the rest of my time up here.”
While the VADOC stated that the men were treated for burns and referred to mental health services, no specific details on reforms or changes to conditions have been shared publicly.
A Troubled History of Solitary Confinement
For decades, Red Onion State Prison has been criticized by human rights advocates and former inmates for its use of solitary confinement and alleged psychological abuse. Lawsuits against the facility have described extreme isolation and its devastating effects on mental health. In one case, a man isolated for over 12 years reportedly began hallucinating and speaking to deceased relatives, while another lost significant weight and became incoherent after being confined for 600 days.
In 2018, the VADOC settled lawsuits related to these cases, but advocates argue that systemic issues persist. Natasha White, director of community engagement for Interfaith Action for Human Rights, emphasized the need for independent oversight. “There is no way that these men should be pushed to the limit of burning themselves just to get out of a facility,” White said.
Calls for Accountability and Reform
Virginia lawmakers have begun to take notice. Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell and State Senator Barbara Favola recently sent a letter to the VADOC requesting information on the incidents and broader allegations of human rights violations at Red Onion. “The reported conditions are very concerning,” they wrote, urging the state to ensure humane treatment for incarcerated individuals.
In April, Governor Glenn Youngkin signed legislation to establish a corrections ombudsperson position to monitor prison conditions. However, advocates like White believe that more direct action, including visits to the facility by legislators and independent investigators, is necessary to address the root causes of the reported abuses.
White has also launched a petition demanding an investigation into Red Onion’s practices, highlighting the urgency of protecting those behind its walls. “It’s a no-brainer that that prison is a problem,” she said.
Looking Ahead
As pressure mounts for accountability, the VADOC and state officials face growing demands to address the conditions at Red Onion. For many advocates, the incidents of self-harm signal a tipping point, underscoring the urgent need for reform in Virginia’s prison system.
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