SOUTH AFRICA'S PRISONS LIKE NAZI CAMPS
The eleven defendants in the Dr, Nevill Alexander case have been sent to prison while efforts are being made to find the &5, 000 [$14,000] necessary to initiate an appeal.
The eleven members of the National Liberation Front were found guilty of violating the fascist-like laws of the South African government, which ban political opposition to the official apartheid policy, They were sentenced to terms ranging from five to ten years.
What are. “conditions like in South Africa's prisons for politi-~ cal prisoners like these?
A rough. ‘idea can be gained from the following letter, written by an eyewitness:
“One thing I can tell you is that they suffer a lot, They are really brave and courageous. Their spirits are very high but that is what the Herrenvolk is trying to break,
“People on the outside cannot realise what’ the political prisoners are suffering today. Robben Island can compare with Bel~« sen camp; it is not a prison. . .. I know what I am talking about, The only thing left for them (the Herrenvolk) to do is to kill them -- and that is what they are trying to do, !
"I don't think it will be long before they do it. They are kept isolated in separate cells. They work .in the quarries breaking stones.and pushing wheelbarrows, They are not allowed to talk with one another, They are heavily guarded. And their. food is not even fit. for a dog,
“For the t dime being they still treat them with respect, but ifthe appeal does not succeed then it will be worse for them me then the kicking and beating will start, same as in Belsen,
"They thank everyone on the outside for what has been done, but a great deal more is necessary, as there are hundreds on the Island rotting. Things will have to move fast... .
"In the meanwhile parliament is still. in session, passing © even more drastic laws, ‘It seems as if nothing can stop them,"
Dune
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