William Sampson
What do we really mean when we say ‘torture’ and what is the real cost to those who suffer it?
There is plenty of proof that torture does get results – the results wanted by those doing the torturing. confessed to planting a car bomb in Riyadh in Saudi Arabia in 2000 in which one man died and five were injured. It was a crime that he had absolutely nothing to do with.
William had been working in Saudi Arabia as a management consultant – the authorities alleged that the bomb had been planted because of turf wars over the making of illicit alcohol.
You have some simpathy from me, BUT you went to work in Saudi Arabia, no doubt for a very fat fee, KNOWING that it's human rights record is one of the worst. As someone said about a similar occurance a few years back "we knew about it (torture), but it was not involving Europeans" (i.e. implying that it was for migrant workers, so that was 'all right' or 'not our business'. You could have packed your consience in your luggage - it was YOUR choice.
Complain about this postthank you for talking so honestly about this, it can't be something you want to remember too much.
I was very interested that Richard Lovelace's 'stone walls do not a prison make' from his poem 'To Althea, from prison' had, as you say, saved your life, and gave you the courage to carry on. It is not the first time I have heard this about poetry.
Complain about this postTwo of the most tragic things I have heard this week were William Sampsons story and the death of the Russian, Mr Litvinenko. I say two only because I try to limit my exposure to the news. I find the onslaught of the constant deaths at the hands of other human beings very distressing and depressing. It's one of the reasons I listen to Saturday Live, it's hilarious at times and I enjoy its spontaneous route. That's why I was a bit cross at first to have such a heart rending story as Mr Sampsons when I had turned on for light relief and I do not want the programme to echo the Sunday supplement style of 'here's a tragedy and now buy the latest perfume/car/holiday/desirable household object'.
However, having listened to Mr Sampson. I extend my great respect for his survival, which I doubt I could have done. I thank him for telling his story.I am rather alarmed at the comment above as I hope we understand that although most of us recognise there may be risks to our choices to leave home and travel to less 'safe' countries (what ever that is) I doubt anyone would have considered the liklihood of arrest and torture.
I urge you to send the tape of the story to George Bush and his 'water boarding' aides. Torture is an abomination. It is a form of terrorism, inhumane, and satisfies what is disgusting in the human mind which I hoped, as a species we had evolving from! Similarly the death of Mr Litvinenko please lets not allow revenge killings to go without an outcry. I doubt that any trail will lead back to Mr Putin but can we acknowledge that there was little that this man had done that would invite such a painful attack except speak out against a powerful and ruthless other.
Complain about this postAdrienne
You have all my deepest sympathy, Bill. I didn´t hear or know about your shocking story until today and I am honestly impressed that you have all the energy and capability to tell all the people about it. I am glad that you are alive. I can just conclude what I allways thought - You are a surviver! Surviving everything that you have been forced to go through is nothing but incredible. But that is - you. I wish you all the best for the future, Bill.
Complain about this postCath