by Sabrina Salas Matanane

Guam - Led by rights activist Dr. Dianne Strong, spouses, children and friends of the Department of Corrections gathered at the Guam Legislature this morning in a peaceful protest. Dr. Strong read a letter of concern and resolution to lawmakers stating, "We deeply feel that the rights of DOC inmates have been grossly violated and that their treatment within the adult correctional facility is nothing less than cruel and unusual punishment.

"The resolution calls for a thorough investigation of the recent murder at DOC and that the Legislature's Committee on Public Safety create a fact-finding committee comprised of trusted representatives from the community to look into problems at the agency and that the findings should be made public within 30 days."

Reacting, committee chair Senator Adolpho Palacios said the more appropriate and relevant place to hold the protest would have been at the U.S. District Court of Guam. Palacios cited the federal consent decree that's been before the court now for several years.