Prisoners fight on slave plantation

Prisoners at Louisiana's Angola prison are suing for better working conditions on a former slave plantation, where they reportedly face extreme heat while picking vegetables under armed guard. Lamont Gross, a prisoner, highlighted the lack of adequate breaks and protections from the heat, leading to instances of heat stroke among workers with underlying health conditions. In response to a class-action lawsuit filed by the advocacy group Voice of the Experienced, U.S. District Judge Brian Jackson issued a temporary restraining order, citing 'deliberate indifference' from correctional officials towards the health risks faced by inmates. Historically, the prison's farm lines have operated without proper shade or breaks, reminiscent of the conditions enslaved individuals endured. The situation is particularly dire as temperatures in the South reach record highs, prompting urgent calls for change. The lawsuit seeks an end to the farm line and improved safety measures for the incarcerated workers.