Joaquin Phoenix wants NY prisoners released amid coronavirus Published By Marriska Fernandes on Apr 15, 2020

Joaquin Phoenix is pleading for the release of elderly New York prisoners amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The Joker actor, 45, looks to the camera and addresses the audience in a video shared on Twitter by the Release Aging People in Prison Campaign.

He said: "The spread of coronavirus in prisons threatens the health and safety of all of us. When you're incarcerated there's no such thing as social distancing and ensuring good hygiene is not an option."

"Leaders must do everything possible to prevent incarcerated people and those who work in prisons from becoming ill and spreading the virus," he added.

"I'm calling on governor Andrew Cuomo to take action in New York by granting clemency to New Yorkers in prison. The lives of so many people depend on his action. No one deserves to die in prison from COVID-19."

Joaquin isn't the only A-list star pleading for inmates' safety in the States. John Legend echoed similar sentiments, asking the government to take action. Click here to watch Joaquin's video. ~Marriska Fernandes