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Jay Z and Yo Gotti Lawsuit Against Mississippi Prison Dismissed

The lawsuit filed by rappers Jay Z and Yo Gotti against the Mississippi Department of Corrections has been dismissed, according to attorneys. However, if conditions deteriorate, the complaint could be reconsidered.

The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division has been investigating the conditions of Parchman Prison, also known as the Mississippi State Penitentiary. It launched the investigation on February 2020, following complaints by inmates about the conditions.

Inmates have reported that they are living in inhumane and dangerous conditions. They allege that the prison fails to provide sufficient mental health treatment, suicide prevention measures, and prevents violence inside the prison. Some inmates also complain of roaches, rats, and feces found in meals. Another inmate alleged that the prison’s water systems are contaminated with human feces.

Team ROC, a social justice division of Jay-Z’s Roc Nation, is working with inmates at Parchman to reform the state’s correctional system. As part of this effort, they have been working to get legal representation for a group of over 200 inmates.

Team ROC has been vocal about the plight of inmates in the state’s prisons. Their latest efforts have included a letter to Gov. Phil Bryant. Roc Nation has released a video detailing the conditions of Parchman prison, which includes interviews with inmates and family members who have lost loved ones to the conditions of the prison.

Earlier this month, five prisoners died at the state’s prisons. At least three of them were stabbed during violent outbreaks. This marks the second time that this has occurred since the end of the year.