State prison hunger strike losing participants

SACRAMENTO – As of today, 2,572 inmates in 17 state prisons are on a mass hunger strike disturbance, down from 12,421 inmates on July 11, according to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR). An inmate is considered to be on a hunger strike after he has missed nine consecutive meals.

Today, 258 inmates refused to participate in their work assignments or attend educational classes.

On Saturday, July 13, 6,370 inmates were on a mass hunger strike and 714 had refused to go to work.

On Sunday, July 14, 4,487 inmates were on a mass hunger strike; 731 had refused to go to work.

CDCR is not identifying how many inmates are or are not participating in specific prisons. The mass hunger strike is organized by prison gangs and publicizing participation levels at specific prisons could put inmates who are not participating in extreme danger.

There have been no reports of violence or unrest related to this mass disturbance.