Hundreds are expected to attend an Oct. 7 discussion about how Virginia treats incarcerated and detained men and women.

The People’s Tribunal on Virginia’s Prisons, Jails & Detention Centers from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Greater Richmond Convention Center will include testimonies about issues faced by the formerly incarcerated, family members of prisoners and others. The program is presented by the Virginia Prison Justice Network and the Virginia Defenders for Freedom, Justice & Equality.

The testimonies will be heard by several community judges, including Justice & Reformation co-founder Princess Blanding, Rob Poggenklass, former Legal Aid Justice Center attorney, and Rodney Hunter, pastor of Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church.

After the session, a report on how the incarcerated are treated will be published and presented to each candidate in the Virginia general election. Those candidates also will be asked to take a position on a proposal to create an independent body that would oversee all confinement facilities in Virginia.

The People’s Tribunal is a continuation of the Virginia Prison Justice rallies that have taken place the past six years.

For more information, text (804) 644-5834 or email DefendersFJE@hotmail.com.