© the eyeranian

At home in Evin.

Pictures of Akbar Ganji and other prisoners held in the "General Population" section of Evin prison on Gooya News although sad and still disheartening, it also makes others who occupied the facility wonder if the luxuries seen are offered to all inmates. Of course I use the word "luxuries" while admitting the relative nature of what it may mean. But just as an example, these are some of the items glaringly different with images etched in so many memories;

It appears at least in this bright "cell" detainees have their own space with basic bedding material, storage space and yes drapes. The floors are carpeted, electrical lamps are plenty and exposed, room has what appears to be a television set (and other electronics?) and even a kitchenette. It also appears the drapes on top are covering what may be windows to the outside.

Now compare that to this image; a similar size room filled with 30-40 and sometimes 50 "inmates" with a hard cement floor, no beddings or covering of any type and the only light allowed in through tiny windows about 20 feet up near the ceiling that only contained one small well-covered light fixture.

I hope this is now the new norm in Evin, but listening to others who have "visited" the facility as early as months ago, I see this as an orchestrated photo op. Too bad Ganji that is respected by many has become part of it.

Link via Come to my Garden. Pictures courtesy of ISNA.

Posted by Pedram at November 2, 2003 11:20 PM