The Winter 2024 edition of The Virginia Defender was published February 21, 2024. Click here for a full PDF.
Winter 2024 Issue
The Virginia Defender
Established in 2005 as The Richmond Defender, The Virginia Defender is a free community newspaper, published quarterly for the Virginia Defenders for Freedom, Justice & Equality. Print distribution is currently 12,000 and statewide. The online publication launched in Summer 2020.
In Our Opinion: About the new prison Ombudsman position
Our take on the new Department of Corrections Ombudsman, now known as the Ombudsman Services Unit.
Letters to the Editor: Truth in Sentencing
A letter to the editor from Mr. Roy L. Perry-Bey, executive director of civil rights for the United Front for Justice, regarding Virginia’s Truth-in-Sentencing legislation. This legislation requires offenders to serve 85% of their imposed sentences. Additionally, Virginia is one of 8 states to have abolished parole.
Letters to the Editor: Every day is a struggle
A letter to the editor from Greg Azeez, regarding conditions at Red Onion supermax.
Letters to the Editor: Shaka Shakur v. Michael Binegar, et al.
A letter to the editor from Shaka Shakur, summarizing a civil rights lawsuit he filed in regards to a racial assault he endured at River North.
Richmonders press City Council to call for a ceasefire in Gaza
Richmond City Council chambers were filled to capacity the night of Feb. 12, requiring an overflow room to accommodate all the attendees. It was the third general Council meeting this year and the second since members of the Richmond community proposed a resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza.
Letters to the Editor: Who’s bringing in the drugs?
A letter to the editor regarding overdoses and deaths at Greensville Correctional Center, with analysis on how drugs are entering the prison and how to remedy this.
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