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An transgender prison inmate in Arizona who was allegedly assaulted by their cellmate has been awarded a $10,000 judgment in a civil rights suit. The inmate, who has not been publicly identified, filed a lawsuit claiming that prison officials were negligent in placing them in a cell with a known violent offender who had a history of targeting transgender individuals.
According to the lawsuit, the assault occurred in February 2019 at the Arizona State Prison Complex-Lewis. The inmate claimed that their cellmate attacked them, causing injuries that required medical treatment. The lawsuit alleged that prison officials ignored warnings from other inmates about the cellmate’s violent behavior and failed to take appropriate precautions to ensure the inmate’s safety.
The judgment was awarded by a federal judge in response to the inmate’s claims of deliberate indifference to their safety by prison officials. The judge ruled that the inmate had presented sufficient evidence to show that their civil rights had been violated.
The case highlights the challenges faced by transgender individuals within the prison system, where they are often vulnerable to abuse and discrimination. According to the National Center for Transgender Equality, transgender inmates are disproportionately targeted for violence and harassment behind bars.
The $10,000 judgment serves as a small victory for the transgender inmate in their fight for justice and accountability. It sends a message that prison officials must take the safety and well-being of all inmates, including transgender individuals, seriously. The case also raises broader questions about the treatment of transgender individuals within the criminal justice system and the need for policies and practices that protect their rights and ensure their safety.
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