The Box: Spending 27 years in solitary confinement | Fault Lines Documentary

Dennis Wayne Hope escaped prison in 1994. After being recaptured, he was placed in isolation, where he witnessed suicides, experienced hallucinations, and heard voices that were a figment of his imagination.
After 27 years in solitary confinement, he was finally placed in the general population in 2022 after challenging its constitutionality in court.
On any given day, the United States locks away more than 120,000 people alone in prison cells with no meaningful contact with other human beings. In many cases, this means 23 hours a day in a small six-by-nine-foot cement space with one hour for recreation and a shower.
The United Nations has determined a period longer than 14 days in solitary confinement constitutes torture. Texas has one of the largest solitary confinement systems, with more than 3,000 prisoners in isolation.
Fault Lines examines the toll of solitary confinement on the mind and body.
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Credits:
Executive Producer: Laila Al-Arian
Senior Producer: Jeremy Young
Correspondent: Rhana Natour
Director of Photography: Singeli Agnew
Editor: Leslie Atkins
Fact-checking: Abdulai Bah
Sound Mix: Luke Rohwer
Digital Producer: Riham Mansour
#documentary #US #texas
#Aljazeeraenglish
#News

[@CameronNewton-o7b]

Can't believe he emerged from 27 years even halfway sane. Testament to just how strong his mind is.

[@damienholland9244]

People in there for weeks start to lose it. I can't imagine.

[@IwasBlueb4]

hes VERY strong and intelligent, too....He also has a strong sense of justice, which he is using to try and help others.....v courageous.....

[@drelocs2878]

@@damienholland9244weeks? Days.

[@AB-dl1hz]

​@@drelocs2878you do know days turned into weeks right???

[@joaquimrodriguez8961]

how fortunate he was to come out with no worst of ware. Other then a few bumps and bruises.

[@NewYorkCity1718]

80 years for a robbery??? Are you kidding me??? They giving child molesters just probation. Something is wrong here

[@joaquimrodriguez8961]

It's all based on the case and circumstance's.

[@loloca]

Agreed

[@jrambo7495]

Also, this was years ago. Now, there's no punishment or jail time; things are a lot different now.

[@NewYorkCity1718]

@@joaquimrodriguez8961 nobody died. He made a bad decision and robbed someone. So you going give someone 80 years???

[@terryt2728]

​@@joaquimrodriguez8961No one gets that kind of time for one robbery. He either has a record of robbing places, was on parole/ probation or hurt someone. I just got to who this dude is. He has been in all kinds of documentaries. He robbed a bunchof grocery stores in multiple states and then escaped prison twice. Like I said no one gets that kind of time for one robbery.

[@justmadeit2]

His mental strength is incredible. I’m barely coping with life with the severe depression I’m going through. How he’s still alive is unbelievable

[@ChrisbeFoSerious]

I just had a small internal breakdown after fully realizing this man has been in solitary for my entire 27 year life. That is absolutely baffling and made me feel sick.

[@weldingLLC]

People get what they deserve

[@coocoo5756]

@@weldingLLCstfu! People can make false allegations about you and you’ll end up in his shoes and we’ll judge you the same way

[@weldingLLC]

@@coocoo5756 I have what you call a job .won't happen to me dummy

[@sayitlikeitis9868]

@@coocoo5756 He’s not even worth the reply. Always judgemental people out there who think they have the answers to everything

[@janelle009]

​@@coocoo5756Its not that simple although that DOES happen, that isn't the case here. I too disagree with solitary for so many years but for multiple armed robberies/violent crimes I can understand a ton of time. I feel most for those who abruptly had an angry man with a gun in their face not knowing if they'd be r*ped killed or what.... they didn't know his intent and he did multiple.

[@Charlie_12x3]

I did 7 months in solitary confinement and I tell you it was the most difficult thing I’ve ever endured. One month feels like 4 months I can’t imagine doing 27 years smh the justice system has to pay for doing this to this man it’s disgusting

[@prettypuff1]

Stories like yours are inhumane. I’m very sorry hou experienced this. American legal system is based on profit,revenge,and punishment

[@rebeccavl97]

Yes 100%!!

[@andrewsmith5198]

I did 5 months and agree. And my charge was for disturbing the peace a misdemeanor

[@garycastronova7939]

​@@andrewsmith5198yeah and what did you do to get put in isolation?

[@BB41562]

To me its the oppositte' 1 month feels like a week but u have a really hard time being arround a bunch of people when u get out, arms sweetty and brain strange

[@eddohan]

0:55 his smile after she greeted him with her hand against the glass was beautifull!! I teared up....Respect for her!

[@LeanneBurke-jh8xg]

He wasn't expecting it at all I thought was lovely also ❤

[@TheJingles007]

Sexy

[@SanctifiedLady]

I’m surprised he didn’t forget how to interact

[@rustygates3367]

This man was imprisoned for a few armed robberies in 1990, and escape prison in 1994. Never killed anyone, yet he gets a sentence that is worse than death. This is not justice; this is far worse punishment than the worst murderers get. I would rather get the death sentence than spend the rest of my life in solitary confinement.

[@weldingLLC]

Yea till he robs ur mom .then ur gonna think otherwise

[@365daysabroad]

I agree

[@villainess9092]

fr

[@justthatgirl-ct4jo]

Yep

[@Reach41]

Then you’d spend most of you life in a cell by yourself waiting for execution.

[@amberdawn7426]

My Father was put into solitary confinement for 15 years. He has been diagnosed with Schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Makes you think about the Way his brain tried to protect him 😢. Now at 57 he has Stage 4 Parkinson Disease and Brain Tumors. The Abuse my father has endured in the GDOC is so inhumane. It hurts.

[@passiveaggressiveflamingo6851]

❤

[@Lp-ru3z]

So your saying you got daddy issues

[@aaronwilliams6989]

​@@Lp-ru3zMAN, PLEASE!

[@aarondigby5054]

​@@Lp-ru3zshe saying she has injustice issues

[@KnightShift006]

NIR LLLT (Near infrared) cap unbranded can iron on or lapel pin badge. NIR near infrared will stop his tremors . Not available still testing purchase overpriced if when available specifically branded for Parkinson's

[@sarah.j.777]

2:22 "He is the only person in Texas that's ever escaped from a non-escapable prison. He embarrassed them so bad on that, that that's why they have held it against him all these years." So they're doing this out of spite. Human beings are truly despicable.

[@SleepyPenguin-8og]

I thought the inmates were suppose to be the bitter ones. Real criminals wear suits and ties.

[@philliphall5198]

Yes he made every one look extremely stupid and really it’s because of the over reaction of admin

[@philliphall5198]

Remember that the state was under extreme pressure from feds and their was kinda of a power struggle going on also 😢 Every thing was changing and different Sorry

[@taracaron4786]

There just mad cause your smarter than they are

[@SleepyPenguin-8og]

@@taracaron4786 wear your mask non plague.

[@CLS333]

He did wrong but his punishment is harsher than some murderers and child rapists. Imagine if his childhood was half decent. With his mind, he could have made a lot of contributions to the world 😢 Thanks for sharing his story. The system needs to be put right and him freed.

[@Smooshes786]

USA only really talks about rape and how awful it is. Sure some get arrested. Not nearly close to how many should be:

[@MatthewWalkerLothian]

What do you mean some murders? Most murders in UK get out anywhere between 15-30 years on average so some may get out in less than that. This guys done 25+ years in solitary, his punishment is far far worse than 99% of murderers out there.

[@JChang0114]

You are right. We should increase the punishment for murder.

[@megaauburnfan21]

@@JChang0114 Not sure how you increase life sentences or death sometimes for 1st-degree murder, but alright.

[@reklaw017h5]

@@megaauburnfan21You're right, they should be put in solitary confinement their entire time in prison. Murderers shouldn't be allowed to re-enter society at all. Once you kill someone there is no going back, and we should treat it as such.

[@Spencer859]

I spent 26 months and 11 days in solitary confinement, I can tell you from experience that sometimes you have to literally take it minute by minute to hang on to your sanity.

[@lorrainekobald3790]

You poor thing, I feel for you.

[@lorrainekobald3790]

James.

[@IwasBlueb4]

Oh James....Im SO SO sorry......No one should have to suffer that for so long ....I hope you are free now

[@Godknown]

I know that EXACT feeling. 👍

[@gavinkitchen1472]

What effect did it have on you mentally?

[@subysudhakaran]

A heartfelt thanks to the female reporter, lawyer, Al-Jazeera and everyone who supported in making this and sharing. Dennis Wayne Hope has a special place in my memory as i vividly remember watching his story about maybe 15 years ago. The show was called jailed abroad/ banged up abroad. I was fascinated by the story and for some reason the episode stuck with me. Also remember the chief warden who also features here. His escape story of how much he trained running everyday was pretty inspirational. Ahh now i remember the title of the episode. It was " The Running Man". I found it inspiring because i also like running. So after all these years it's good to see him in good health and even now he has inspired me since he is fighting a good fight for human rights of fellow inmates in solitary. I wish him well. I wish he succeeds. I wish him well. Lastly thanks to whoever the editor of the video was for putting Mr. Dennis's pic as thumbnail of video which is why i clicked it. Always thought my memory was poor but jeez i remembered that face real quick. Thanks again to everyone involved.

[@Coda6766]

I spent just 6 months in solitary confinement in NJ. It was unreal in the summer, no fan and in a steel cell constructed in 1915. I had to sit on my bunk and constantly repeat to myself 'I will not break.' If Animals were subjected to the same people treatment people would do something about it. Unfortunately it isn't the case for human beings. I don't know how this man endured even 1 decade, God bless him.

[@ReenaBINA]

I’m sorry

[@Coda6766]

@@ReenaBINA it's okay I am doing well now. Thank you. God has blessed me the day I came home.

[@ReenaBINA]

@@Coda6766 ur a good man. I hope u heal and prosper. No one deserves solitary confinement for long periods.

[@joaquimrodriguez8961]

@@ReenaBINA the question begs to be asked what got you in solitary. May God continue bestowing more blessings upon you.

[@edl6398]

Animals are subjected to the same treatment and always have been.

[@Me-tl8iq]

They did that man wrong. 80 years for robbery and then 27 years of solitary confinment. I guarantee that if he was rich, this would have never happened.

[@beewalk34]

If he was rich, he wouldn't be pulling armed robberies

[@sw001]

If he was black they would let him out after 2 years

[@budgetking2591]

@@sw001 but not so long ago if he was black he would get death penalty, so it evens out.

[@budgetking2591]

@@beewalk34 lol, keep thinking that.

[@BoiledMilkSteak7]

@@sw001 keep telling that yourself you facebook boomer. There are black people in prison for life for smoking weed

[@mvmv9205]

Ms Rhana Natour, God bless you for your beautifull soul. Thank you for fighting for people like Dennis Hope.

[@yessboydd9927]

I feel so bad for him when he cried at the end. Let this poor man out already he’s suffered enough mentally!

[@gowdsake7103]

He wasnt there for being a lovely person

[@mito88]

@@gowdsake7103 profound analysis, amazingly profound

[@JayakrishnanNairOmana]

@@gowdsake7103 If there is a God, I hope the scum who wrote this comment rots in prison for a crime he didnt commit.

[@Sue-qp6dx]

Bet you wouldn't feel bad for him if it was your business he'd robbed......armed.....agrivated robbery is a very scary experience to come face to face with

[@mito88]

@@Sue-qp6dx what he feels or not is irrelevant. allowing our feelings to solely guide our actions can be risky.

[@oh2887]

Amazing gentleman who stuck by him as a friend all those years too. Solitary for 27 years is evil torture

[@Fat12219]

It's , it's boring 😴 😒

[@lockdownpublications3169]

I did 7 years in solitary while serving 27 years in prison. I got out of prison 5 years ago and I'm still affected in the sense that i live alone and I'm uncomfortable with anyone in my space.

[@Allfaxnocaps]

Bro I did 6 months solitary and I still think about it. But it wasn’t really solitary I had an annoying as cell mate who use to take half my food and bug me all day. Was 23-1

[@lockdownpublications3169]

@@amazingjane2703 thanks

[@jamiecroweiii80]

@@amazingjane2703 definitely don't do that.

[@amazingjane2703]

@@jamiecroweiii80 Well you should get out more.

[@PeterCapon-o5e]

I'm the same mate done 19 yrs in ... 2 in solitude an it's very damaging

[@mw87675]

My dad went to solitary confinement after a fight a man picked with him. My dad has severe vitiligo so he is an easy target. We knew something was wrong because we hadn't heard from him in days. His mother called and they said he got into a fight and was in solitary confinement. Even if its not your fault and you defend yourself like my dad did... you're both going in. My dad has been out for nearly a decade now and he's been doing amazing. He's stayed out of trouble, off drugs, has a lawn business, stable housing, a truck and car. He has his own garden and he's a good grandfather to my kids. I'm happy my dad knew God and made it through everything that was set in his path to ruin him.

[@SimplySchaun]

I'm so glad your dad's story has a happy ending. Love to you and your family. ❤

[@allaboutrap1]

I'm glad your dad worked things out for himself.

[@Dan-xx5jq]

This is beyond CRUEL!!! HOW COULD WE ALLOW THIS??? AMERICA SUCKS!!

[@sp00f34]

he has a garden, but does he have.. gardeners?

[@dadillonful]

Shouts out to your dad 💪

[@donnaengel6413]

This man’s punishment is more horrific than his crime.

[@lekasallah6238]

Life choices your actions have consequences

[@ItsEasyJustLift]

​@@lekasallah6238yeah and the consequences dont match his actio ns

[@lekasallah6238]

@@ItsEasyJustLift it doesnt matter whether they match them or not my point is if he wasnt a thief he wouldnt have ended up in there it a consequence of his own doing.

[@SinisterScoundrel6562]

​@@lekasallah6238yeah but to brow beat the guy for as long as he lives is only gonna make him more of a monster.

[@Ztertis]

You don't say???

[@alexawermuth1219]

Being locked in a cell alone with nothing to do should be illegal period.

[@mizza9595]

Depends on the crime. Certainly not on robbery.

[@aikotoba99]

This is why as an American I can't stand to listen to politicians preaching about human rights in other countries when in some cases, the situation is even worse here. They have no basis to act self righteous.

[@tigern_i_f_rimeri6069]

your ccountry & human rights? you torture people worldwide

[@Kaywaprince]

I agree with that 100%. I'm not American but IV been to work shops where Americans get preachy on rights then you see these reports, police brutality you realize they need to do better

[@billscannell93]

My theory is that the European countries are so much more humane because they went through two horrific world wars in their own backyards and got all the cruelty out of their systems.

[@Kane-ez]

Facts

[@TheDriller100]

😂😂😂😂 what a bunch of clowns 🤡.. if you are a criminal then pay the price

[@tammybaker4332]

I spent 30 days in solitary confinement at a county jail in Florida I absolutely went crazy I lost my mind I couldn't imagine 27 years!!!

[@Mr_Originality]

It ain’t that bad. I meditated three times a day. Keeps the mind strong

[@Michael-pt3bn]

9 days in solitary confinement in Louisiana after about 5 I was kicking the door a lot and screaming at the Wall felt like I was on 🔥🔥 fire possibly hallucinating a bit

[@TheWaitingRoomTWR]

😂😂 30 days man you weak sauce I would of been chillin

[@michaelmoffat-d1v]

He is such a strong character.. it’s mind boggling to even think about what he’s been put through.. yet he is still fighting for others in the system.. 🙏

[@Rena-ol7dn]

So wrong to keep him in solitary for 27yrs. Such an inhumane way to treat anyone.

[@weldingLLC]

Till he robs ur mom .than ur gonna think otherwise

[@Al-kd6hv]

It’s so unfair how some people get less than 20 years for murder but others get 40 years for robbery.

[@stanwaltman4349]

The biggest criminals have always been the ones in power and who make the laws, not the ones who break the laws

[@JohnjOcampo]

He escaped and continued to rob innocent people lol, you people are so soft on criminals just because you were never one of his victims.

[@kristiqnmitev9649]

One woman recently got community service for stabbing bf over 100times and killing him. System is rigged for the rich

[@JakeHonnery]

He also escaped from another jail, lookup prison break I can’t remember what episode but he’s talking and telling the story behind the glass The treatment towards him is still wrong

[@josephj7908]

His criminal history probably played a roll in his long sentence that and escaping prison the Court didn't just give him a long sentence just because 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@sarahjimison6200]

I hate injustice and oppression.

[@simeon2851]

You are human.

[@mairewalton5670]

That’s a life sentence of torture every minute of the day. Deplorable inhumanity.

[@cikosphysicaltherapist6017]

I did a week twice in ad seg, and after the 5th day without anything, limited food, no reading materials. I felt a physiological change . It's inhumane what they did to this poor man!!

[@LuciThomasHardylover-qx6ts]

Why no reading materials?? Surely that's not part of the punishment too? What is it with Americans 🤦

[@carolynhoeck4155]

I’ve heard no reading material, never could understand why.

[@joejohnson2478]

​@@carolynhoeck4155What? No short eyes??

[@jjlove13only1]

This is NOT Rehabilitation. This is diabolical, inhumane torture. 💔

[@DJYC21215]

Do you know what this guy did?

[@angusseletto1511]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ yup

[@Bebedollie]

26 years in solitary confinement is inhumane it should be illegal and those people who did that to him should be held accountable. That's against our human rights 🙏❤️

[@billscannell93]

It's really sick. Torture, plain and simple.

[@Scorcher-ii1ty]

If he killed your family I bet you would be singing a different tune. Some people deserve the worst punishment available. It’s a violation of human rights to kill me or someone else.

[@lyndapierson6338]

@@Scorcher-ii1ty the victims family will be in solitary hell for the rest of their lives!

[@SOo-q6i]

Lmaooooooooo what? He scape from a prison 🤣🤣

[@JanHendrik-l3e]

@@SOo-q6i that´s why he is in solitary but not in prison for. If you stay in prison for so long without parol or whatever then you´ve done some very serious stuff. This is a one sided report by a arabian news channel that wouldn´t even dare to go inside an arab prison with cameras. Typical hypocracy by the east. At least we report and work on our problems instead of presenting us as pure religious leaders and then go visit sex parties and invite instagram models for sex.

[@EB-bk4kv]

This man has done his time x2 in these circumstances. I hope the judge lets him out & makes them pay a fat penalty to him for millions for this cruelty.

[@seagulllake]

Excellent journalism, thank you.

[@Fat12219]

27 years of boring 😴

[@bryanbiluk1694]

Sorry to see that the system failed this man.He actually should be released for humanitarian reasons ! Unnecessary crewl and unusual punishment.

[@kellykim3684]

He’s incredibly intelligent it’s a shame he didn’t have the right family and he took the wrong route of life

[@taniaaustin6433]

He would have done well in the military, he comes across very articulate and intelligent. If only he was helped when he was young.

[@JosedeJezeus]

Maybe that’s why he became so smart, because of the obstacles he faced.

[@danielmankinde1706]

i was gonna say this . he looked like military commander in movies . someone who even when kidnapped will never reveal info or stuff like that @@taniaaustin6433

[@cynthiadavid5282]

A person in solitary confiment should maybe two weeks no more this that 27 years in solitary is barberic qnd the supreme court should change the ways in the prison system on this its tortue on the brain very inhumane

[@danielmankinde1706]

@@cynthiadavid5282 it’s just crazy what the government did to him. 27 years probably felt like 100 years .

[@Emptinesscreation]

There’s a limit to human cruelty. This man was robbed off his life for an armed robbery and making a fool out of them with his daring escape. He didn’t kill, rape or do anything that’s heinous of a crime yet was subjected to this endurable pain in solitary confinement for 27 years. Whoever subjected him to such unfair and inhumane treatment should all be tried in court and put in solitary confinement. Enough is enough. Let this man free for god’s sake.

[@gigihammerstein5944]

and the big time criminals...

[@wonkydonkey7899]

I’m glad he’s finally gotten out of solitary confinement, but all those years he spent in it would never get back. They robbed Dennis his basic common rights, let alone the decency of a request to meet with his mother and grandmother one last time before they passed away, which was denied.

[@SleepyPenguin-8og]

Couldnt agree more.

[@SleepyPenguin-8og]

His biggest mistake was never deciding to sell drugs.

[@krismua1209]

This. I don't understand why armed robbery gets such a harsh sentence when some murderers get off easier.

[@PREripDOLPH]

27 years in solitary how can this still not change

[@dannykabat514]

That's absolutely crazy 80 years and he didn't even hurt no one😮

[@Jim.Thunda]

That judge should now do 80 years in solitary.

[@blacksthrnbelle]

​@aquarius3867You're an animal.

[@privacyplease64]

Yes he did, he committed multiple aggravated armed robberies.

[@villainess9092]

fr i'm so angry

[@judymuturi1263]

He hurt people. Aggravated robbery is not a joke people get hurt.

[@718....]

Wow 27 years in solitary I can not even fathom that. 27 weeks is crazy and sad

[@derrikmarshall5974]

Noy weeks, 27 YEARS.

[@JefferyWaybright]

@@718.... 27 DAYS would be terrible, let alone 27 years!!! Poor dude....so sad! 😢😢😢

[@U269370]

I can’t imagine the mental anguish that this man went through. Tragic

[@joaquimrodriguez8961]

Obey the law an you won't have to.

[@angelaz20]

@@joaquimrodriguez8961 Adolf, do you put in your nasty five cents to every single comment ?

[@4079907]

@@joaquimrodriguez8961sheep

[@lolakoala1259]

@@joaquimrodriguez8961your an illegal get out of our country

[@anonymouslyconcerned]

​@@joaquimrodriguez8961HIS CRIME DOES NOT WARRANT THIS PUNISHMENT!!!! PEOPLE MAKE MISTAKES, HE DID NOT KILL ANYONE!!!!!!

[@lynfawcett221]

I am not American, but it is horrendous that,Dennis Hope has been in solitary confinement for nearly 3 DECADES! That is just torture for anyone! They really need to restrict the length of time an inmate is put into solitary confinement.

[@mrspaisley1]

I had Covid in 2020, and lived alone in a 1 bedroom apartment. Then the quarantine time was 10 days. I had full access to internet, grocery delivery, air conditioning, my comfortable bed, and a walking park I used when nobody else was around. This still almost broke me having no physical contact or seeing other humans for that long. I cannot imagine how any human survives 27 years in a steel box. Wow.

[@hoss-lk4bg]

thanks for tha rambling manifesto hun

[@NightOwlinNewOrleans]

@@hoss-lk4bgyou get kicks out of being a smartass?

[@corylefebvre8488]

Probably shouldn't have fallen for the covid bs...that's your fault.

[@Black_and_Grey_Ink]

​@@hoss-lk4bgThanks for your rambling opinion hun

[@FINDTHENUMBERSTV]

WE WERE(NOT ME😌)WERE STUPID FOR FALLING FOR IT

[@sactownism]

Dennis Wayne Hope is a criminal, but the punishment does not fit the crime.

[@joeschmo5181]

He was a criminal and he's been punished enough....

[@philliphall5198]

I agree, he was abused

[@kiratwo4u]

if he's a criminal, then his jailers are satans

[@amykins9870]

I feel him so deeply being alone is so hard 3 day hold and I went crazy with a cracked out roommate. And 1 hr out was so hard. But 27 years and then losing loved ones without goodbyes or even hellos. So so so sad. I pray for better for him. He’s paid his debt. He’s not a horrific murderer!!!

[@joaquimrodriguez8961]

Nevertheless, he committed a crime... you and I don't have to endure that, you know why?

[@JustDesiStuff2]

@@joaquimrodriguez8961 Did you know this guy actually had it better than many. There are so many mental "hospitals" where this exact situation happens because they expressed the disagreement that the medications do not work for them. This happens to voluntary patients also who go there for genuine help. No crime. A place designed to help people overcome insanity is turning them insane. Please stop this "criminal"/"good person" nonsense and try to understand the term "mental health spectrum". There are things that can make the nicest human beings snap.

[@mandyellis876]

@@joaquimrodriguez8961 many crimes, not just one!!

[@jer8279]

You lack any empathy or understanding

[@AudreyWilliams-w3p]

Thanks for your efforts, Mr. Hope.

[@samigreg5233]

Whoever behind putting him in solidarity for 27 years should also be put 27 years into solidarity to feel what he felt

[@charliewilson3369]

I've done 18 years in prison. During that 18 I did 6 and a half years in the hole. It makes you paranoid. Now that I'm out of prison I live in fear every day about going back. It makes you hate authority.

[@MissPepperss]

Don't do the crime, that is all.

[@Joshua_Peller]

That is crazy hope you are doing well now

[@andrewmayfield8245]

Would be cool if other ex cons let prison deter them from re offending

[@mr1derful74]

Well, if you live in fear about going back then I guess it did it's job. Be an upstanding and law abiding citizen and you won't have to worry about it.

[@susanlovesjava4961]

​@@mr1derful74apparently you're never heard of false arrest

[@jakethedog4397]

No one should be isolated like this. Makes me sick 🤢

[@NaziSS-p2d]

Guy is very smart. They need to punish the judge who gave this man 80 years.

[@JesusIsLord7773]

The judge is probably dead

[@realtree297]

Don’t want the time, don’t do the crime They get no sympathy

[@JackquelineWildonger]

I think it was done to show the prisoner you made the warden I'm governor police department all look a fool escaping 2x from a supposed non escapable prison. He's being Taught a lesson NEVER humiliate us DOJ, DOP ,DOC AGAIN .

[@icankillbugs204]

​@@JackquelineWildongerGuy wrote this comment 20 beers deep

[@00700556]

@@realtree297You are disgusting to have that mindset

[@dundeeutility4899]

He would've got 7 to 10 years in Scotland!! 80 years for robbery is ridiculous honestly and 27 years in solitary is so so sick ! Dennis great luck from Scotland brother 👍 stay strong my friend 💪

[@megaauburnfan21]

You're proud that someone who robbed another with a deadly weapon and escaped custody would only get 7 years? Quite odd.

[@chris-cy5ed]

​@@megaauburnfan21did he hirt anyone ? Noooo so was it deadly? Noooo your hammer is deadly but do you use it for that nooooo same as a kitchen knife!! Get out of here with that b.s.

[@lalosalamanca8574]

​@@megaauburnfan21 I think people like you that think that belong in 27 years isolated in torture. You lack empathy. GFOH

[@Dynamatrix2000]

5 armed robberies. 1 count of armed robbery is 5-10 years.

[@rawfoodphilosophy7061]

some murderers only get 15 years in prison.............this guy got 80 for robbery????

[@Dynamatrix2000]

Five armed robberies. One armed robbery is 5-10 , and this guy did 5 of them. They gave them an extra thirty five years for escaping twice.

[@JustDesiStuff2]

This guy actually had it better than many. There are so many mental "hospitals" where this exact situation happens because they expressed the disagreement that the medications that do not work for them. This happens to voluntary patients also who go there for genuine help. A place designed to help people overcome insanity is turning them insane. Horrific! Edit:- This is my story also so please be respectful. I was never charged with a speeding ticket even until I got vandalism for breaking the bottom part of the door to the hospital room in which they kept me in solitary confinement.

[@cassandraknight8804]

Absolutely

[@alexawermuth1219]

Mmmmm this guy didnt have it better than them either way ive been to jail and ive been to psych wards voluntarily and been petitioned. The two are completely different

[@jer8279]

Had it better?

[@akimbodice6955]

How is two decades of solitary confinement "better than many?"

[@JustDesiStuff2]

@@jer8279 Please read edit in main comment. I used the word "better" only in comparison to people in my position who were locked up without committing any crime whatsoever because we were stupid enough to think psychiatrists want to "help".

[@justmyopinion9883]

My heart goes out to Mr Hope. He should be released from prison immediately.

[@gowdsake7103]

WHY

[@Lakridza67]

He will need enormous amounts of support when he exits prison.

[@justmyopinion9883]

@@Lakridza67 Yes, he will. 💯

[@lakelandpiper8400]

Then I take it you want him to live with right?

[@joshradson2649]

@@Lakridza67 He should sue the state that locked up him up in solitary. They should pay for his retirement so he doesn't have to rob stores anymore. I would say this far exceeds "cruel and unusual" punishment. I'm saying this honestly too. I would rather take the death penalty by unusual methods such as hanging, electrocution, etc, than spend even 1 year in solitary.

[@lawtalk5665]

This man’s punishment is a crime.

[@XodyCalizander]

Shut up

[@habazlambazazathe6th989]

you are hot

[@franciscody9622]

Solitary confinement is torture. It is cruel and should not be allowed. The death penalty is more humane because it is not torture.

[@slowedversion6393]

100

[@gusto8585]

Yes for his case it is Inhumane.But what if someone Murdered one of your family members?Would you want them to live out their sentence in prison Ordering Snacks watching movies Playing games ,having contact visits with thier families? Or would you want them to suffer? Just curious.

[@kimberleyjane2338]

​@@gusto8585Jail is the punishment. Having snacks and few family visits in no way makes them free. What it does is gives them hope to look deep inside and want more regular things. It's like over punishing a kid doesnt stop them from doing wrong, it only makes them hate and do more. I dont have the answer either though, but its not this.

[@Alex38369]

No it should be allowed but be limited. Otherwise if someone commits a crime in jail then there would be no punishment.

[@franciscody9622]

@@gusto8585 I am a firm believer in the death penalty for murder, drug dealing, kidnapping and rape.

[@davidnair9491]

This is pure evil, are there no good people in that system that can or could have done something to prevent this torture?

[@markgallagher5908]

@@johnbeans2000 What happened in your life that causes you to be so vindictive? You should be ashamed of your comment.

[@22CONSERVATIVEFELON]

I spent 36 months straight in solitary and 17 years straight in prison. It was over twenty years ago. I will never be the same.

[@ankitjain3310]

How are you doing now? Please share your experience.

[@MissPepperss]

Sounds like it helped you if you are not the same. It's good when punishments can change a horrible criminal into a law abiding citizen.

[@icankillbugs204]

​@@MissPepperssokay bootlicker. Like you don't break the law a million times a day 🙄

[@youfellformybaittt]

@@MissPepperssyou in the comments like you so perfect

[@MissPepperss]

@@youfellformybaittt unlike you I haven't participated in torture

[@strafer8764]

I lived alone close to 4 years as a kid and I’m messed up. I still got to go outside and school but spent days and nights alone. His experience is an intensified version of that. Start hearing voices, think of yourself in plural form, insomnia, paranoia. It only gets worse over time The warden and all guards involved should be forced into solitary confinement for decades. See how they like it

[@DawnSuttonfabfour]

I hope you are now doing well and overcoming your past trauma. I had a violent alcoholic father and an absolute hero for a mum. It can be very difficult to leave any of it behind but I hope you do and have a happy life. Don't let those from the past infect your future.

[@Ayngage]

God's judgment day!

[@solox5853]

hey how comes you were alone at such young age? hey wanna start an youtube channel and put content out? we edit some videos that mass people like and start some revenue.

[@NjoguWaNganga]

Is this the same US that barks globally about human rights?

[@tikemyson8839]

Preach

[@WendellBurkhart-g9v]

Yep that's the hypocrisy of The United States Government.

[@jfnovae]

You must be fun at parties. Breathe with your mouth open and are single

[@rebbekka4865]

He needs to be release from prison. I can’t believe no one has helped this man . Let’s pray for him. 😢

[@danielotoni1751]

If this guy tried to armed rob me and I had known he would spend 27 years in a solitary because of this, I would really give him what I had in hands willingly. Whatever I would have with me would be priceless compared to this injustice. This is completely absurd.

[@randymiller9181]

Amen !!

[@IB-1963]

On November 26, 1994 Hope escaped from Texas state prison where he was serving an 80-year sentence for aggravated robbery. Several days later he stole a car at knife point from 83-year-old Elvin Mitchell. In the process, Hope severely cut Mitchell by yanking the knife away when, in his fright, Mitchell grabbed the blade. After dropping Mitchell off bleeding on the side of the road, Hope set out to rob the same stores he previously had been convicted of robbing.

[@vj8406]

Same

[@TheAngelwithhorns2]

thank you ! some states give the three strikes your out@@IB-1963

[@oongieboongie]

@@IB-1963 Ah yes, so this solitary confinement of near 30 years is now completely justified. Lol

[@brettbambouturton3117]

This isn’t punishment, it’s sadistic and cruel.27 years for robbery? Many rapists and child molesters aren’t even punished… I don’t understand this ?

[@supercoolyguy]

Like Mr Cos..

[@ME-ys6vl]

It was 80 years.

[@Ozgur72]

This is plain torture in its most extreme form.

[@lorriebarnhill8385]

It's absolutely disgusting what they did to him murderers get less punishment than him my heart hurts 💔

[@dontbeadrone]

His real crime: having a higher IQ than his jailers. He's obviously a very intelligent man. Not only his escapes, but his meticulous recored keeping--40 full binders worth in this friend's possession--prove that he is very bright.

[@WVisHome]

Not smart enough to not be a criminal.

[@SleepyPenguin-8og]

​@@WVisHomecircumstance.

[@jendee1260]

bright, all he has to hold onto. i guess that’s the same. 🤷‍♀️👀

[@SleepyPenguin-8og]

@@jendee1260 go on, u make no sense.

[@SleepyPenguin-8og]

I see what u did there. Not funny.

[@SounderMom31]

As a former correctional officer, I 100% agree with Dennis. The way the state of Texas treated him was absolutely cruel and unusual punishment, and from the looks of it, they did it out of spite. He escaped twice and they ended up with egg on their faces. I also agree, that the only reason they moved him out of solitary confinement, was because his case might have/had a chance of being heard by the Supreme Court. The state of Texas might have ended up with egg on their faces AGAIN. Solitary confinement should definitely NOT be used for longer than 10-15 days. I understand, trust me I do, that there are inmates that need to housed/confined separate from the general population. Experts from different fields, Department of Corrections, Mental Health Specialists, Legal Experts etc., need to get together and find a different solution, other than solitary confinement.

[@yolandatubin8126]

Very extreme 27 years. Also 80 years for aggravated robbery also extreme….I agree general population is appropriate in this case. US judicial system needs an overall they take everything to the extreme especially in Texas…

[@mariar4431]

Poor chap. He didn't do anything that bad to warrant such cruelty. He should be released immediately.

[@mandyellis876]

Really? Bear that in mind next time you’re staring down the barrel of a felon’s gun!! FFS!

[@mariar4431]

@@mandyellis876 will do.

[@SinisterScoundrel6562]

​@@mandyellis876It still didn't fit the punishment. What they did was retaliation.

[@jendee1260]

go fight for him to be free and let him live with you afterwards.

[@jendee1260]

@@mariar4431ignorant. you talk a big game in the comments. go take action if you care so much. maybe he needs a wife and can marry one of your daughters when he’s out.

[@britmext]

It is a fantastic documentary which should be shown to our children so that they understand that crime never pays. Unfortunately this criminal made a mistake with his life and for which he will pay for the rest of his life until the day he dies. That is why it is good to show our children these documentaries so that they understand that it is better to die of hunger than to become a bad criminal.

[@c.c.2073]

This is so sad and horrific they must do better, I can’t finish watching this. 27 years in solitary confinement that is just a nightmare.

[@marketwizard1977]

26 years in solitary confinement is inhumane

[@gusto8585]

I think it's also inhumane for his case.But What if someone killed one of your Family Members?Would you want them to live in prison eating popcorn watching movies .Seeing thier family being able to touch them kiss them? Or would you want them to suffer? Just Curious!

[@ronaldlymm7248]

@@gusto8585he didn’t though

[@gusto8585]

@ronaldlymm7248 I know he didnt....I think it's Inhumane for HIM!!! I was replying to another person who was saying Solitary is Inhumane for ANYBOdY REGARDLESS OF THIER CRIME!!!!! But if someone murdered my Hild ...I would love to see them in Solitary for the rest of thier lives....Suffering. and .. haunted !!!!!!!

[@ericschlothauer6937]

Don't be sorry bro.. Your tears are being counted. I did 8 years of my life in solitary confinement , in MD, and Pa.. All my own, but it was hard . God bless every man in Solitary .

[@Shane661]

This is horrific. And I am not a softy when it comes to seeing serious criminals punished. I can't imagine having the mental strength of this man.

[@ContactsNfilters]

People who don't think this is cruel and unusual punishment should spend a couple weeks in solitary confinement.

[@vienogola1421]

Or don't rob

[@ifikilen]

@@vienogola1421literally😂

[@joaquimrodriguez8961]

But only if they deserve to be there.

[@angelaz20]

@@joaquimrodriguez8961​​⁠ Adolf, do you put in your nasty five cents to every single comment ?

[@Wisdom24-7]

Imagine the mental anguish those people at the supermarket he robbed went through

[@judecarpenter2990]

Truly is torture I spent almost 90 days in solitary confinement in Virginia prison system and it definitely changed me forever wouldn't wish it on anybody

[@rachelyoder4998]

I don’t care who you are or what you did no human should ever have to go through this. I can’t even comprehend the horror of having to live that!!! Unless you are a serial killer who was high risk for hurting others in prison this should be off limits

[@reklaw017h5]

Respectfully I disagree, prisoners who've murdered people should be put in solitary for life. They took someone's life and so their own life should be forfeit for any hope of happiness or any hope of seeing the freedom they desire. Once you take a person's life, you can never go back. You cannot un-kill someone and you cannot guarantee that person will never kill again. Putting them in solitary makes sure that they will never kill or harm anyone ever again.

[@Kittingiittung]

​@reklaw017h5 and what happens to the innocent people wrongfully convicted think before you speak

[@keosae2464]

I agreed with you but I can’t have murder or child rappers. They can stay in prison but not in confinement.

[@joejohnson2478]

​@@KittingiittungThey are all innocent. I've never met a guilty inmate in over two decades of working with them. Even when they were released and came back they were innocent. We should put all of those victims in jail for lying!

[@ZoePlayyz]

Ol Dennis Wayne hope. He’s a legend. This dude pulled off some of The best robberies as far as creativity goes, and shut down the electricity to a maximum security prison!

[@ds8290]

The way you say he is a legend is almost like you are proud of his accomplishments of crime. Sad. He could’ve used his mind for something better.

[@lyndapierson6338]

gee how commendable

[@F_antomas]

​@@ds8290 He was young . We do weird things at that age ...they should give the man a chance but thats texas anyway ..the caveman state

[@GaZonk100]

good - he needs a century

[@F_antomas]

@Joe-qm4yv no ...Texas is the Afghanistan of the USA 😂

[@tamaralewis7528]

This is heartbreaking, brought tears to my eyes

[@IwasBlueb4]

This man could have had a great life, if he had been given stability and love, when growing up

[@blacksthrnbelle]

That's happens too often in America.

[@lastdays7855]

Same thing I say about African Americans. They could’ve had a nice life had they not been enslaved, oppressed, and discriminated against. 😢

[@CraigTodd924]

​​@@lastdays7855Now they are all making millions throwing a ball around...Ironic.

[@warhero0057]

I was neglected as a child and I grew up perfectly ok

[@reklaw017h5]

Well, many people grow up mentally and physically abused. They don't go around committing armed robbery now do they?

[@pup9892]

I worked at the Polunsky Unit on 12 Bld. I worked in TDCJ for 10 years. It was the most dangerous, stressful, and thankless job I have ever had. The entire system is so corrupt. If you want to help the inmates, you should consider helping the Officers first. I don't mean the wardens or other ranking officials. They are the problem. The officers need better training, better equipment, better leadership. The employee numbers are so low that every shift can end in injury, exposure to bodily fluids, or death. It is impossible to give every inmate what they are supposed to have when it's 300 inmates to 1 officer. The corruption ensures that the good officer move on to other meaningful jobs, the lazy or corrupt officers will stay and promote. You have to fix the root of the problem and not just pick sides and point fingers. Prisons are here to stay, we need to fix the system before it all collapses.

[@TheAngelwithhorns2]

Thanks for being honest about the TDCJ still going on today !

[@user-hs7ry4nx7l]

The logic of the prison escapes the prison walls and captures the entire society.

[@francoiscamara9383]

I cry every time I watch this story.

[@richardsmith1018]

I'm 50 now and it still baffles me how we the people have allowed certain people to run our lives. The government of this country has been out of hand for years. We just lay in out little bubbles and let them rule walk over us. Maybe one day the younger generation will stand up for something finally.

[@jennpul1015]

He should be let out of jail. These days people get less than 27 years for murder and they dont suffer the afflictions of solitary confinement .

[@Talkwithtina808]

Exactly!!!

[@Jeff-io2zn]

My little brother has been in texas department of corrections for 29 yrs. He has no tattoos and never gotten in trouble. You can sit down and have a civil conversation with him and never know he's been there at all. He chose not to become institutionalized.

[@zarahandrahilde9554]

Thats pretty gross of Texas, gotta be honest. Really showing how small and wounded their egos must be to go against the decisions to release him, and keep him in there for decades just because they can. Hope the norwegian prison model they're testing in Philadelphia goes well so this can never happen again.

[@OutcastVR]

Those politician should be sent to cell for torturing

[@vickipurcell6738]

THIS ^^^^ In my experience, White, Christian Texan Males have more than 1 small problem, not just their egos 😂😂

[@edl6398]

Texas is proud of it’s stupidity and cruelty.

[@martharisinger2000]

Texas is gross

[@gavinkitchen1472]

The Senator is complaining about being in a 3hr meeting but he didn't seem to care about a Man who had been in solitary confinement for 25 Years.

[@ankitjain3310]

Right

[@Matthew2077]

He’s a career criminal they don’t care about that

[@paulinecallahan6888]

Thank you for your coverage of solitary confinement. Dennis is a strong man . Would like an update on Dennis.

[@lisaperry5999]

Albert Woodfox,holds the record 46 yrs in solitary,in Angola. For a crime he didn't commit. I read his memoir,researched his case. Its beyond inhumane to keep someone in segregation. Pedophiles spend their sentences in seg.,so they're not killed. In those cases,if legitimately guilty,are a different story.

[@ScottGarland-r4v]

It's unbelievable , and a complete obliteration of justice , to keep Mr. Hope in solitary confinement for 27 years , simply for escaping and making some of the higher ups in that prison feel embarrassed. 27 years in solitary is unheard of. The people responsible for doing that to him belong in prison themselves for the rest of their lives. I feel so very badly for this man.

[@ratchetric3133]

My uncle has been in solitary confinement for 20 years one time I called and they told me because you called he ia not gonna eat for weeks 😢 please I’ll help in anyway I can stop the mistreatment the guards do

[@davidsummerville351]

He didn't kill anyone.

[@tudorelbata]

Adevărat

[@michelleo.7156]

I agree 100% with you.

[@Niners70]

Horrible 😢

[@minadelaluna9277]

​@deesnutz1901I care.

[@Kane-ez]

25 must do damage

[@tminusnyc2915]

Thank you Al Jazeera for producing this. America should be ashamed that they don't take matters like this as serious as they take frivolous matters like UAP's. I say that as a proud American.

[@deepemotion2745]

doesn't matter what way anyone try's to put it, there are murderers and rapist serial child molestors that get under 20 years in a normal jail then released. the old man said in this video said exactly what happened, he escaped a "inescapable jail" and embarrassed the sheriffs. they got emotional and took it out on him. criminal or not this is not justice for a robber. this is what child rapist should get but no. there released in 5 years on probation. after ruining a Childs life. this is disgusting

[@Dynamatrix2000]

5 aggravated armed robberies 😂 . One armed robbery is 5-10 years.

[@britqueen9688]

This is totally inhumane! regardless if he embarassed them - they themselves should be placed there for a week to experience the same! Shameful and disgusting!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@brianmccann1578]

I’ve been by myself for 5 days and haven’t left my room cuz I’m sick . I’m 100% losing my mind and I have the worst anxiety I’ve ever had ! There’s no way someone can do this for 27 years !!! It’s honestly hard to believe !

[@justhereforthevideos2798]

On of the best quotes I’ve ever heard regarding prisons is ‘we need to figure out who were afraid of. And who were angry at’. Not the same thing. And people shouldn’t be all treated the same. Even if they’ve committed a crime

[@Carlogambino12381]

Politicians do worse things everyday then this guy ever did

[@timstort8223]

Unless someone was severely harmed in the robbery this type of length and punishment is just outrageous

[@jadedmonk7001]

Good points and all relevant.

[@AM-br4ix]

This is outrageous!?!!! 27 years for robbery?! That is criminal!

[@joshradson2649]

They should have max 10 years on robbery charges. I've seen people that actually murdered someone get out in 20 years. Our criminal justice system is a joke at this point. It's not even about rehabilitation, but making money for the for-profit prison system and punishing people for perceived threats. Our politicians and business leaders are actually stealing millions and getting away with it while calling it "lawful" while people that hold up a grocery store get the key thrown away. So the tax payers have to lock someone up for life because they stole $200 in groceries?