Recent picture of John “Balagoon” Cole
Long-term Indiana Political Prisoner John “Balagoon” Cole, one of the leaders of the 1985 uprising against white supremacist guard brutality at the Indiana Reformatory (now Pendleton CF), has suffered multiple seizures while in IDOC custody at Wabash Valley CF. We were informed that Balagoon had suffered two seizures on Friday. As of this writing, IDOC and Wabash Valley CF officials and staff have refused to provide any information about Balagoon’s whereabouts or condition.
Please call and email the following IDOC officials and demand that they ensure that Balagoon’s family is informed of his medical condition immediately! Leave voicemails if you don’t reach anyone in person.
Wabash Valley CF warden Frank Vanihel: (812) 398-5050 ext. 4110
Wabash Valley Medical: (812) 398-5050 ext. 0 and ask to be put through to medical
IDOC HQ: (317) 232-5711 ext. 0 ext. 2
IDOC Commissioner Robert Carter: rocarter1@idoc.in.gov
IDOC Legal Director John Ferguson: JFerguson1@idoc.in.gov
Script:
“Hello, I am [calling/emailing] on behalf of John Cole Jr. #14658 and his family. Mr. Cole suffered multiple seizures last Friday and was taken to the hospital, but IDOC staff have not provided his family with any information regarding his medical condition despite repeated inquiries. Please ensure that Mr. Cole’s family receives complete, official information about his medical condition immediately!”
Balagoon is 63 years old and has been in prison for over 40 years, due to being wrongfully convicted for crimes related to his role in the ‘85 uprising. He has multiple serious medical conditions and was illegally held in solitary confinement for 32.5 consecutive years. IDOC Watch and friends and family of Balagoon and his co-defendent Christopher “Naeem” Trotter are organizing a Freedom Campaign to bring these two freedom fighters home. Check out this link for more information and to get involved!
