Set off Warning: The article comprises references to rape and abuse.
Harvey Weinstein has been moved to Bellevue Hospital from Rikers Island after an alarming blood take a look at consequence, in line with his lawyer. The previous Hollywood producer is awaiting a retrial in New York subsequent 12 months on expenses of rape.
Weinstein has confronted a number of well being challenges, together with leukemia, diabetes, and coronary artery illness. His authorized crew has raised issues concerning the care he’s receiving at Rikers Island.
Weinstein’s lawyer, Imran Ansari, said on Monday that Weinstein requires emergent therapy and is predicted to remain at Bellevue till his situation stabilizes. “His deprivation of care just isn’t solely medical malpractice however a violation of his constitutional rights,” Ansari stated.
This isn’t the primary time Weinstein has been transferred to Bellevue for medical causes. His crew alleges that insufficient care at Rikers Island has repeatedly led to his readmission to the hospital.
Ansari additionally described the poor circumstances at Rikers, the place Weinstein has been held since his return to New York earlier this 12 months. On a latest go to, Ansari stated Weinstein’s garments had not been cleaned for weeks and have been stained with blood, presumably from an IV. He added that Weinstein was not receiving mandatory medicines and lacked entry to competent medical care.
Final week, Weinstein’s legal professionals filed a $5 million declare in opposition to New York Metropolis, citing deplorable and inhumane circumstances at Rikers Island. The declare alleges that these circumstances have worsened Weinstein’s well being to the purpose the place he feared for his life. Ansari in contrast Rikers to a “gulag the place the prisoners are handled like animals.”
Issues about Rikers will not be new. Federal Choose Laura Taylor Swain just lately referred to as the violence ranges on the facility terribly excessive. She talked about ongoing points akin to fights, stabbings, and assaults on guards, in addition to poor employees coaching and supervision. The decide has threatened to nominate a receiver to handle the jail if circumstances don’t enhance.
Weinstein is awaiting a retrial after the New York Court docket of Appeals overturned his earlier responsible verdict in April. The courtroom dominated in a slim 4-3 determination to vacate the 2020 convictions for rape and sexual assault, which had resulted in a 23-year sentence.
Earlier than his return to New York Metropolis, Weinstein was held at Mohawk Correctional Facility, a medium-security jail in Rome, N.Y. Since his switch to Rikers, his well being has reportedly deteriorated additional, resulting in a number of hospitalizations at Bellevue.
Weinstein’s re-trial is about to start on January 29, 2024. His authorized crew continues to advocate for higher therapy, arguing that the present circumstances may hinder his capability to take part in his protection.
Disclaimer: If you recognize somebody who’s battling abuse, please attain out and report it. There are a number of helplines accessible for a similar.
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