Stillwater prison conditions: DOC orders more extensive water testing

The commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Corrections has ordered “additional and more comprehensive” water testing be done at the Stillwater prison to confirm the water is safe for drinking. On Sunday, Sept. 3 more than 100 inmates refused to return to their cells to protest what they say is brown water in their cells and a lack of air conditioning in the prison during the height of the latest heat wave.

Stillwater prison conditions protested

Nearly a week after a peaceful protest led to an emergency lockdown at Stillwater prison, activists continue to lobby complaints about the conditions in the prison.

Protesters rally outside Stillwater prison

Extreme heat is putting a focus again on the problems highlighted by a peaceful inmate protest at the Stillwater state prison. The protest ended Sunday, but their advocates came again Monday as a lockdown kept the inmates out of communication.