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Governor Phil Murphy has initiated the closure of New Jersey's only women's prison, the Edna Mahan Correctional Facility in Hunterdon County, following a series of brutal attacks on inmates. This move comes after years of scandal and controversy surrounding the facility, including a vicious lockdown assault on prisoners earlier in 2021 that led to felony charges against 14 guards.
The decision to close the prison was announced by Murphy in June 2021. Since then, all minimum-security prisoners, totaling 176 women, have been transferred to a satellite facility located five miles away. This new location offers more natural light, a wider range of activities, and an honors dorm, providing a stark contrast to the conditions at Edna Mahan.
However, the main part of the 110-year-old prison remains operational and continues to house higher-risk inmates. The facility, which has been criticized for its deteriorating conditions, will remain open until a new jail is constructed.