️ Suicide rates among inmates in New Jersey state prisons have surged dramatically in recent years. Prisoners say this is a direct result of systemic neglect and harsh conditions.

️ In 2025 alone, at least three men died by suicide at New Jersey State Prison: Mark Todd, Peter Rusch, and Andrei Goumnov. The previous year, Timma Kalidindi also took his own life.

️ Inmate Tariq MaQbool writes that prison administration meets deaths with indifference. The phrase "going out in the black bag" has become common among prisoners.

️ Peter Rusch attempted suicide twice. He was revived the first time but died on the second attempt. He had a documented history of mental illness and was held in solitary confinement.

️ Inmate Jim Smith (a pseudonym) has also attempted suicide multiple times. He cites distance from family and unfair treatment as the main causes. "Despair has me by the throat," he says.

️ The New Jersey Department of Corrections stated that it prioritizes the safety and dignity of every individual in its custody and that every death is thoroughly investigated. Critics, however, argue that these claims are not backed by practice.

Source: www.aljazeera.com