Raleigh, NC-- Administrators at a North Carolina prison are monitoring a hunger strike by inmates demanding better medical care and living conditions.
Some inmates at Central Prison in Raleigh began skipping meals July 16 after issuing a list of demands that included law books, toilet brushes, supplies for cleaning cell walls and windows. They also want to be allowed to shower without wearing restraints.
Prison spokeswoman Pam Walker said Friday the number refusing meals had fallen to seven. She said all are being held on control status, where inmates spend 23 hours a day alone in their cells.
Walker said the medical staff is monitoring those not eating and will "intervene" if necessary. An online petition is calling for a protest outside the prison Sunday in solidarity with the striking inmates.