In the fourth episode of “Made in USA”, Christophe Deborsu introduces us to the prison environment in the United States, particularly in Oklahoma, the most radical state in America in this area. It is there that the most prisoners are sentenced to death, that there are the greatest number of women in prison, that the laws on abortion are the most restrictive.
In Oklahoma, there are twice as many women in prison as in the rest of the United States. In this State, if a child is mistreated, and even if it is the father who is violent, it is the mother who will be systematically condemned for not having known how to protect him.
Currently, 342 women are locked up for “maternal neglect” in Oklahoma, or one in six inmates.
At a state women’s prison, Christy witnesses Brandy’s release. She helps some of these inmates prepare for their reintegration and fight against these unjust laws.
Brandy is 41 years old and has spent half her life in prison, due to the maternal neglect law. She just got out of prison.
Brandy’s son died of meningitis when he was one year old. The Oklahoma courts found her guilty of mistreatment. The father was never worried. For Brandy, this return to freedom is a leap into the unknown. “Every time I feel a little overwhelmed, I would just have to repeat to myself that I am no longer in prison. And as my therapist says, I have to concentrate on the unpleasant things that I no longer have to deal with. do, like going to the bathroom and taking showers with everyone or being surrounded by crazy people all night…”she confides.
Barely released, Brandy went to the Capitol, the State Parliament, where she was expected at a round table on the fate of women in prison.
“I was convicted of negligence”
In the parliamentarians’ room, prosecutors and lawyers face Brandy. A difficult speech after 21 years in prison and barely two hours of freedom. “My name is Brandy Al****. I was released at 11:30 a.m. I have spent 21 years in prison, since I was 19,” she introduces herself. “Before entering prison, I had three children. They were all under five years old. My son had meningitis and I was convicted of neglect. And since my mother-in-law wanted to get rid of me, she testified against me. Thank God, I reconnected with my children last December and February, they called me, they understood what had happened But not everyone is this lucky. ..” A particularly moving testimony applauded by the entire assembly.
Brandy hopes to recreate a bond with her children that she didn’t see during her entire incarceration. For her part, Christy calls for an end to the law on parental neglect. “We are here to say what you are doing is wrong. We want to be heard, and for them to act. These commissions serve to encourage legislators to take their courage in both hands, and say that they owe a law.”
Discover the fourth episode of “Made in USA: Democracy in decline”, presented by Christophe Deborsu from this Friday, November 1 at 7:50 p.m. on RTL tvi and streaming on RTL play.
Made in USA American elections 2024 United States prison
