We speak with Terry Thorton, spokesperson for the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (the California Prison System) about the hunger strike launched on July 1st by Pelican Bay State Prisoners housed in the prison's Security Housing Unit (SHU).

In a statement published under the byline SHU Short Corridor Inmates, Pelican Bay Prison, in the summer 2011 edition of California-based Prison Focus, the following demands were listed as goals of the hunger strike:

--Abolish the Debriefing Policy, Modify Active/Inactive Gang Status Criteria.

--Comply with the U.S. commission 2006 Recommendations Regarding an End to Long-Term Solitary  Confinement.

--Provide Adequate Food.

--Expand and Provide Constructive Programming and Privileges for Indefinite SHU Status Inmates.                                             (Prison Focus, Summer 2011)

Thorton responds to the demands and recent reports on the deteriorating health of hunger strikers.