Letters: Prison privileges? Ask the victims

Re “Behind the barbed wire,” Editorial, May 23

If any state prison inmates deserve the chance to speak with the media, it’s only those few who’ve taken responsibility for harm done to their victims — that is, those who have consistently expressed remorse and have paid restitution. The media requests for prisoner interviews proposed under AB 1270 should first be submitted for vetting by victims — or by survivors of victims — whom the felon harmed.

Their recommendations surely would preclude self-absorbed, un-repentant inmates from accessing the media for personal benefit.

Under this procedure, those inmates who have made significant rehabilitative progress would be far more likely to gain access to the media and to provide credible reports of prison conditions.

Devra Isserman

Santa Monica

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