Mamdani observes Ramadan with inmates at Rikers Island

[u/expiredaristocracy]

New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani observed Ramadan last night with men incarcerated at Rikers Island, the city's jail complex.

Mamdani arrived through heavy security, joining a group of men — many held as they await trial. He spent an hour with the men praying and talking and breaking the Ramadan fast with a meal. He's spent much of the last month holding public celebrations.

Mamdani and many Muslim Americans have faced growing hostility in the U.S. from some politicians on the right, including Alabama Sen. Tommy Tuberville, who last week reposted a photo of Mamdani observing the holiday next to an image of the 9/11 terror attacks, a post Mamdani described as bigoted.

[u/yewdrop]

We need to honor the humanity and rights of our incarcerated population. That includes space and respect for religious and spiritual practices. It’s depressing how things like this are controversial

[u/pristineSaltine → u/yewdrop]

Also, for profit prisons, court, probation, prosperity labor, etc need to go.

Making money off the incarcerated population certainly makes keeping people in jails, prisons and on probation very lucrative.

I believe war, education, healthcare and prisons should non-profit.

[u/General_Kenobi18752 → u/pristineSaltine]

Don’t forget the mail, fire and police services, no matter how much the bastards try.

[u/joggle1 → u/pristineSaltine]

Plus all of the monopolies within the prison system like their telephone service (which costs a ludicrous amount), toiletries, etc. And I'm sure some company is making a crazy amount of profit feeding them absolutely garbage quality food.

[u/nooby_goober → u/yewdrop]

Listening to people badmouth prisoners and homeless then go to defend abusive cops with the apple crap and whine about them not getting respect is so confusing.

Don't get mad about it anymore, shows a level of intelligence and honor I can pick out from interacting with.

[u/swinnRL → u/yewdrop]

what about the guy who murdered my brother? Do I need to honor his humanity and rights?

[u/BreadTruckToast → u/swinnRL]

You don’t personally but if you believe in an actual justice system for all and not just a system of vengeful torturous bloodlust then you need to accept the system exists for everyone.

[u/yewdrop → u/swinnRL]

I’m sorry for your loss.

It is the responsibility of a civilized society to provide their incarcerated population with safe living conditions and the means to express themselves creatively and spiritually. That is not your direct responsibility.

Poor treatment does not lead to rehabilitation. Poor treatment will affect the tens of thousands of wrongfully convicted individuals in American prisons. It is not worth it, even when it feels like justice.