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Relatives Of Super-Max Inmates Want Prison Closed

CHICAGO (CBS) -- A group of protesters critical of prisoner treatment at the state's super-max prison marched in the Loop on Wednesday in support of Gov. Pat Quinn's plan to close the facility.

Relatives of inmates at Tamms Correctional Center targeted a union that opposes the shutdown, part of Quinn's plan to cut the state budget. They say those workers can work at other jails.

The say Tamms treats inmates inhumanely, often locking them up for nearly 24 hours at a time with short breaks for showers or to exercise alone.

Patrice Warren said her brother has been at Tamms for six years. She says it was supposed to be for only one.

"A lot of them are committing suicide," she said. "I don't want to lose my brother to the system like that."

LISTEN: WBBM Newsradio's Nancy Harty Reports

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