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Protesters push for Meck County to release inmates at risk of getting COVID-19

CHARLOTE, N.C. — A hearse, flowers and people dressed in black were all in uptown Charlotte Friday, but it wasn’t for a funeral.

Protesters were there painting a grim picture of what they worry could happen at the Mecklenburg County Jail. The Decarcerate Mecklenburg coalition says too many inmates are at risk of getting COVID-19 and dying from it.

“We reject the idea that by releasing people you’re creating unsafe conditions and creating an unsafe community. This creates unsafe conditions. This creates an unsafe community,” said Tim Emry, a Decarcerate Mecklenburg supporter.

>> In the video at the top of the page, Channel 9′s Anthony Kustura shares the group’s demands.