Salsa star Alex Da Silva, who has been accused of raping four of his (now former) Salsa students and who has been waiting his trial date in jail for months, has allegedly suffered due to the inhumane living conditions at the Los Angeles County Jail where he is currently residing.
A fervent defender and firm believer of the innocence of the international Salsa dance instructor and performer – also known for his role as instructor or Dancing With The Stars and So You Think You Can Dance - mailed a copy of her letter to OnlineSalsa.com, in which she complains about the appalling living conditions at the Los Angeles County Jail (USA) and the reluctance of the prison staff, which – according to her – resulted in Da Silva's health worsening with kidney stones.
She writes, “It is with deep disappointment that I write to you to register a formal complaint regarding the living conditions at the Los Angeles County Jail - Men’s Central Jail at 441 Bauchet Street Los Angeles, CA 90012 - (213) 261-0711.”
Watch this video clip of Alex Da Silva's Salsa partner work during the Hamburg Salsa Festival 2009.
She continues, “On December 23, 2010, inmate Mr. Alex Da Silva (#2024149) was admitted to the medical wing of the Men’s Central Jail. Prior to this, Mr. Da Silva was sick for 10 days during which he received no medical attention. His condition worsened from food poisoning to vomiting to high fever to loss of breath. The guards neglected to call the nurse and the doctor for 10 days despite repeated requests for medical attention. Other inmates, James X and D’Angelo X, have remarked to those close to Mr. Da Silva that his condition was terrifying and they expected him to die. Finally after repeated complaints from other inmates to the guards, a nurse was contacted. An ultrasound was performed and Mr. Da Silva was diagnosed with kidney stones. His kidney stones were the direct result of the severe dehydration. Mr. Da Silva experienced during 14 months in confinement. Mr. Da Silva was placed on an IV as his condition was so severe.”
Alex Da Silva's Previous Complaints
The letter of Alex Da Silva's defender continues, “Mr. Da Silva has previously complained about the condition of the water in the Men’s Central Jail. The water is hard, unclean and not suitable for drinking. The inmates are given 3 bottles of water a week from the jail sink. The water is so dirty that when shaken, black sediment is visible. The water available for purchase is limited in availability.
Following his treatment orders for the kidney stones, Mr. Da Silva has been forced to take his own money to purchase bottled water.”
Appalling Living Conditions
“These living conditions are completely unacceptable. I am shocked to hear that there is a limit on the amount of water that an inmate can purchase while inside. On top of this, the water given from the sink is unsanitary. These men inside are deserving of the same basic care and quality of health as any other individual beyond the jail walls.
You should be embarrassed,” the worried human right activist added.
A Plead For Upholding Human Rights in Jail
The accuser summarized, “This incident could have been avoided if baseline human rights conditions were upheld in the LA County Jail. No inmate should be subjected to being deprived of a basic human necessity: clean drinking water.
This is not the first time the conditions at the Men’s Central Jail have been an issue.
In previous months, Ms. Edith Da Silva, Mr. Da Silva’s mother, has broken her hand due to damaged door while visiting the facility. The Men’s Central Jail is not disabled-accessible.
Please take the comments in this letter under serious review. While Mr. Da Silva remains confined awaiting his trial set for February 2011, his well-being is your, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, primary responsibility.
This is incident is the direct result of your violation of basic humane living conditions for all inmates and utter disregard for Mr. Da Silva’s health.
Mr. Da Silva and his fellow inmates remain human beings.”
Alex Da Silva is Thankfull towards his Nurse for Saving his Life
The anonymous writer had some positive words to end her letter. She said, “I would also like to take this time to thank Sgt. Vasquez and his fellow colleagues on behalf of Mr. Da Silva’s mother, Edith for their courtesy and consideration during his time in confinement.
Mr. Da Silva is grateful to the nurse that treated him. He credits her to saving his life.”
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