By Corrections1 Staff
CHICAGO — Transgender inmate Strawberry Hampton, who received a rare approval from authorities to move from a men’s to a women’s prison, is asking the governor of Illinois to grant her clemency.
According to the Chicago Sun-Times, Hampton was supposed to be released in February, but her lawyers say she is being penalized for reporting the abuse and harassment she’s suffered in prison. Her new release date is Nov. 27.
The 28-year-old’s supporters say she has been prohibited from participating in programs or work opportunities that would help her earn “good time” that would speed up her release. They’re also accusing the DOC of issuing false disciplinary reports that prevent her from being released earlier this year.
Hampton is serving a 10-year sentence for residential burglary. Over 30 organizations are seeking her immediate release in a petition sent to the governor.
“Our understanding of this is that that the governor could make this happen tomorrow if he wanted to,” said Sheila Bedi, one of lawyers representing Hampton.