The week at a glance...United States

United States

Maricopa County, Ariz.

Prison diet: At least 38 male inmates in the Maricopa County jail system were put on a weeklong diet of bread and water last week as punishment for defacing American flags placed in their jail cells. Inmates destroyed the flags, said controversial Sheriff Joe Arpaio, “tearing them, writing on them, stepping on them, throwing them in the toilet” or in the trash. “It’s a disgrace.” The flags were part of a patriotic push by Arpaio, who currently controls the jail system; inmates are also required to listen to “The Star-Spangled Banner” every morning and “God Bless America” every night over the intercom system. Known for his headline-grabbing punishments, Arpaio has previously issued pink underwear to inmates and removed salt and pepper from their meals. In May, a court ruled that his office routinely racially profiled Latino motorists during traffic and immigration patrols.

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