Second Fast to Bring Awareness to Colorado's Lifetime Incarceration Act Scheduled

A growing community of supporters, advocates, and inmates will conduct their second of three fasts on June 11. According to the fasts organizers, the event is hoped to accomplish three goals. First, to bring public and legislative attention to Colorado's Lifetime Act,which currently incarcerates over 1,500 inmates indefinitely. Next, to help inmates reflect on rehabilitation goals geared to make them better citizens if released. Lastly, to soften the hearts of the community to someday welcome these offenders back into society.

The first fast, on March 19, generated over 45,000 e-mails of support sent to inmate families, community organizers, and religious groups. Supporters as far away as Israel participated in the 24 hour fast and sent notes of encouragement. Organizers are hoping for even more support this time, "We hope that with each successive fast we will build more support and awareness," said Lonnie, one of the fast's originators.

Over 1,500 inmates fall under the Lifetime Act, many are victimless, nonviolent offenders. The act costs the state over $25 million annually to incarcerate and provide mental health treatment. Approximately 600 inmates are currently incarcerated past their legislatively intended release date. The Colorado Department of Corrections faces several inmate law suits over the indeterminate sentence and a class action suit pursued by attorney John Pineau and law students from Denver University.

The third and final fast is scheduled for August 20.

Related stories:

• Lifetime Act Costing Colorado Millions

• No Known Cure Could be No More

• A Fast for Compassion, Reform, and Social Justice