Texas Death Row Inmate Taichin Preyor Sends Updates on Hunger Strike : Houston Indymedia

June 02, 2009 by
Dee

Taichin Preyor, a Texas death row inmate who has been on a hunger strike since May has sent updates on his hunger strike and the treatment he is receiving from guards. Housed at The Polunsky Unit in Livingston, Texas, Preyor reports that he is at present the only inmate on a hunger strike to protest abuses and conditions on death row. He states "Although I am alone in action, I am not alone in spirit." "Over the past few days I have gained support from many other inmates here. Some inmates have written articles and blogs about me and my protest." Some inmates have created signs for Preyor to wear on his chest and back, and for his cell that read "No justice no peace."

Preyor goes on to say, "While things have been looking positive on the protesting front, I also must report the negative aspect as well. Not long after my initial date of my hunger strike was I treated with disdain. In no way was I thinking that my actions would cause the guards and staff here on death row to verbally, and physically abuse me. I've had an officer throw a food tray at me simply because I verbally refused my meal. Officers have told me "I am not the first to go on a hunger strike, and that no-one gets what they want." I've been called stupid, crazy, foolish, and these are the less offensive of the names I've been called. I have been denied my daily shower and recreation. My cell has been shaken down, and I have been strip searched.

Preyor speaks of the guards, "They tried to get me to eat by holding the food tray up to my face while my hands were cuffed in back of me. All of a sudden they have been serving lots of treats on the trays, like cinnamon rolls, to taunt and tease me."

"The administration does have my official notice written by my hand of my position. They have now started to weigh me daily, and I have lost 10 pounds in nearly a week. I have been ordered to not wear my signs to the weigh ins and doctors office any more. They are concerned about word spreading to other pods, cellblocks or quite possible the general population. I'm focused, disciplined, and determined. I'm not going away." Preyor quotes Huey P. Newton, "A true revolutionary is a servant of the people."

To be taken seriously, Preyor has listed his demands concerning health issues. He has sent several copies to TDCJ, and also to me. He states that health concerns are a must, and not a privilege. He stated he will cover other issues at a later date.

His issues concerning health needs include, sanitary neglect, maintenance, nutritional and balanced meals approved by a certified nutritional expert, adequate and timely health care including physical, mental and oral health concerns, allowance to purchase necessary tennis shoes, and boots, from an outside vendor, the possession of gloves and hats.

Preyor ends his letter stating "I grow weaker by the day physically, but I grow stronger in spirit with each day. I am slightly dizzy and often times a little disoriented. I don't like this feeling. I still have my facilities about me, and I can still perform most tasks, but at a slower pace. I fear that as I press on I may have to stop writing due to my weakened state." He asks, "Would you send a prayer up for me and my continued strength"?

More on Preyors hunger strike can be read here.

Cards or letters of support are encouraged and can be sent to Taichin at this address:
Polunsky Death Row Unit
Taichin Preyor #999494
3872 FM 350 South
Livningston,
Texas
77351

Source:
Letter from Taichin Preyor to myself

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