Hunger strike case heard by Connecticut Supreme Court

November 15, 2011

Connecticut: In late October, the Connecticut Supreme Court heard the case of an inmate who had conducted a personal hunger strike to protest his conviction. British native William Coleman was convicted of sexual assault in a spousal relationship in 2005. He was sentenced to fifteen years in prison, though he would only serve seven.

Coleman's attorneys argued that inserting a feeding tube was tantamount to cruel and unusual punishment, since if it was necessary to feed the inmate, there were other, less invasive methods available. His lawyers also state that his freedom of speech was infringed upon, and that international law does not allow for force feeding competent prisoners.

The Correction Department countered by explaining that its interest was in keeping Coleman alive, all the while maintaining order in the prison. Before the first force feeding, the department received a court order authorizing it to take the necessary steps to ensure his well-being.

The high court must determine whether the Department of Corrections acted responsibility in its decision to force feed the prisoner. When the inmate's sentence expires at the end of 2012, he is expected to be immediately deported back to Great Britain.