Nebraska inmate punished for speaking on wife’s podcast

Calling from a prison phone in Nebraska, Nicholas Ely joined his wife, Julie Montpetit, for an episode of Montpetit’s podcast, “More Than an Inmate’s Girlfriend,” which aims to destigmatize relationships like theirs. Afterwards, Montpetit lost all contact with her husband. Now, Ely is suing several employees in the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services, alleging that he has faced unlawful retaliation for appearing on the podcast and that his constitutional rights, including his right to free speech, were violated. In this episode of Rattling the Bars, host Mansa Musa speaks with Montpetit about losing contact with her husband and about the status of his lawsuit. 

Additional Links/Resources: 

• Sarah Gentzler, Flatwater Free Press, "A Nebraska inmate went on his girlfriend’s podcast. Then the prison cut off their contact"
• More Than an Inmate's Girlfriend (podcast), "What is 'More Than an Inmate's Girlfriend'?" 

Credits: 

• Producer / Videographer / Post-Production: Cameron Granadino

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-real-news-podcast--2952221/support.

Help us continue producing radically independent news and in-depth analysis by following us and becoming a monthly sustainer.

Follow us on:
Bluesky: @therealnews.com
Facebook: The Real News Network
Twitter: @TheRealNews
YouTube: @therealnews
Instagram: @therealnewsnetwork

Become a member and join the Supporters Club for The Real News Podcast today!