AI is seeking to learn the outcome of two inquiries set up in July 1994 to investigate a series of disturbing allegations by the Knoxville News-Sentinel newspaper about the treatment of inmates in Knox County Jail. Photographs were published of a form of restraint known as “angel-cuffing” which is reportedly extremely painful and can cause permanent muscle and nerve damage. Photographs were also published of a restraining chair in use at the jail. Inmates were allegedly strapped into the chair and made to wear a helmet with the visor blacked out. Inmates have alleged that the helmet was dirty inside where other inmates had vomited while wearing it.
