2 Essex County Lawmakers Cheer Closure Of NJ Women’s Prison

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — Gov. Phil Murphy made the right choice to shut down the scandal-ridden Edna Mahan Correctional Facility for Women, according to two state lawmakers from Essex County.

On Monday, Murphy announced that he plans to close the state’s only women’s prison, which is located in Union Township. He said the inmates will be relocated to other facilities.

The decision comes in the wake of allegations of sexual violence and abuse against female inmates, as well as a “long history of abusive incidents,” Murphy said. Read More: NJ Prison Closing After Women Inmates Were Beaten By Guards

After the governor’s announcement, a pair of state legislators from the 29th District, Sen. Teresa Ruiz and Assemblywoman Eliana Pintor Marin released statements in support of closing the prison.

The 29th District includes Belleville and Newark.

SEN. RUIZ: ‘A LONGSTANDING CULTURE OF ABUSE’

Ruiz gave a thumbs-up to the closure, and repeated her call for inmates to be placed in facilities where they can connect with their families and prepare for reentry into society.

“The governor’s announcement that he will close the Edna Mahan Correctional Facility for Women is the right decision,” Ruiz said.

“As we plan for the future, we should ensure that our women who have suffered abuse and neglect for so long can be transferred to facilities closer to their homes where they can receive support from their families and prepare for reentry into society after they have completed their sentences,” the senator continued.

“As the U.S. Justice Department found in its scathing April 2020 report, Edna Mahan has a persistent and longstanding culture of abuse that has led to repeated violations of the federal Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act and of the constitutional rights of inmates,” Ruiz added. “That culture is embedded so deeply within the prison that we have no choice other than to close the facility forever.”

ASSEMBLYWOMAN MARIN: ‘SAFEGUARDING HUMAN DIGNITY’

Assemblywoman Marin agreed with her Democratic peer in the senate.

“I’m pleased that the governor has determined to take decisive action to address the ongoing issues with the Edna Mahan Correctional Facility for Women,” Marin said.

“Like so many New Jerseyans, my colleagues and I were disgusted with the reports of inmate mistreatment, abuse of authority, and lack of accountability associated with that facility,” Marin stated.

“I look forward to working with the administration on a plan for a solution that first and foremost safeguards the basic human dignity of the individuals in our care, and that does so in a fiscally responsible manner,” added Marin, who serves as the chair of the Assembly Budget Committee.

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