His attorney stated that R. Kelly was placed on suicide watch “purely for punitive purposes”. This comes just days after R&B legend Kelly was sentenced to 30 year imprisonment in a sex trafficking case.
Jennifer Bonjean stated that her client’s Eighth Amendment rights to cruel and unusual punishment were being violated at federal custody at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center.
Bonjean said that well-known inmates such as Ghislaine Maxwell who was convicted of sex trafficking, are often placed on suicide watch. She insisted that her client would not harm herself.
Bonjean stated that MDC Brooklyn was being run like an a prison. After his sentencing, my partner and I spoke to Mr. Kelly. He said that he was mentally healthy, had behaved appropriately, and was eager for his appeal.
Suicide watch is when a prisoner is put in a cell with no bones and given a one-piece tear-resistant smock. This watch often includes more surveillance from guards.
Donald Murphy, a spokesperson for the Bureau of Prisons, stated Friday that he couldn’t address specific conditions of Kelly’s confinement.
Murphy stated that the Bureau of Prisons cannot provide any information regarding conditions of confinement or other internal security practices for any inmate because of safety and security concerns.
“The BOP is committed in ensuring safety and security for all inmates, staff and the public. The humane treatment of men and women held in our custody is our top priority.
Federal officials were subject to intense scrutiny three years ago when Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender, and millionaire financier, committed suicide in his Manhattan jail cell.
