‘It was torture.’ Former inmate says he was beaten while restrained at Somers facility
Northern Correctional Institution, a high-security state prison, was shut down in 2021 amid complaints about prisoner abuse.
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Clarence Austin, who served four years behind bars at Northern Correctional Institution in Somers, described to News 12 “torture” that was inflicted upon him there.
"During that time, guards beat me up many times while I was restrained with handcuffs and legcuffs. It was torture and it was illegal and I want justice," the 65-year-old Stratford resident said.
Northern, a high-security state prison, was shut down in 2021 amid complaints about prisoner abuse. State officials, however, did not cite those complaints as a reason for the closure.
"But that's what happened, and I’m living proof of it,” Austin said, showing scars on his arms and face which he said results from beatings by guards.
Austin filed a complaint with the State of Connecticut claims commissioner, and he testified before state lawmakers. Neither avenue resulted in action.
"My case is now before the U.S. Court of Appeals in New York," Austin said.
As Criminal Justice Awareness Month ends, Austin says he will continue telling his story as a way of advocating for prison reforms.
