Posted on 01/22/2002 2:04:36 PM PST by Pokey78
THE darkness filled me with fear. The silence was deafening. And the tight manacles made my limbs ache.
But I couldn't shout for help - for under the blacked-out goggles and swathed in a suffocating orange boiler suit, I could not speak, smell, hear or touch.
My 60 minutes as a captive seemed to drag on for ever. But at least I knew I would soon shed the prison clothing and go free, unlike the al-Qaeda suspects locked behind razor wire at the US base in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
Captive: Stephen Moyes
The Mirror yesterday re-created the barbaric conditions in which America is keeping its prisoners - and I wasn't prepared for the shock.
My blindfolded eyes refused to adjust to the dark void that engulfed me. I was instantly disorientated. It was terrifyingly claustrophobic. I couldn't even grope in the dark, for my gloved hands were clamped in metal handcuffs and my arms locked in position.
At first, my degrading uniform just felt uncomfortable, the handcuffs and straps around my head an irritating, numbing pain. But soon it became agonising. I could sense my eyes watering, sweat gathering on my brow. My limbs went dead.
I gasped for air as I tried to breathe through my nose. I told myself not to panic. All I could smell was the nauseating material of the surgical mask. And I knew my moans of discomfort went unheard.
Large ear-muffs ensured that I couldn't hear the faintest sound. Only crouching close to the ground seemed to ease the feeling of total isolation.
With just flip-flops on my feet, I flinched when someone trod on me. I felt utterly alone. I could have been there for 30 minutes - or three hours.
It was a blessed relief when my handcuffs were released at last and my attire removed. The harsh glare of light blinded me. For a few minutes, I didn't know where I was. Conversation deafened me.
But at least I was free - unlike the 100-plus terror suspects now being held in basic conditions at Camp X-ray. Their life must be a living hell.
HOOD
Designed to keep the surgical mask and goggles firmly in place. It also helps to prevent identification between the prisoners. Poor visibility makes escape or an attack on guards a virtual impossibility. Hot and stifling for wearer.
EAR MUFFLERS
These rule out holding a conversation, so no news or ideas can be exchanged between the prisoners. Lack of hearing also causes disorientation and makes it impossible to respond to guards' commands.
BLINDFOLD
With blacked-out goggles, there is no chance to see where other prisoners are or the layout of the jail. They destroy any chance of escape. No eye contact is possible between prisoners. Could harm sight in the long term.
FACE MASK
No chance of men exchanging advice or raising morale. No religious teachings can be passed on. Makes recognition of prisoners difficult. Rules out risk of biting a guard. Causes claustrophobia and could lead to breathing problems.
BOILER SUIT
Stiff all-in-one uniform greatly restricts ease of movement. There are no pockets or zips - which might have been useful to hide weapons. No belt, which could be used as a weapon. Prisoner could overheat, causing exhaustion.
HANDCUFFS
Hands are tightly clamped together to rule out any chance of an attack on guards. Cuffs also prevent writing and hand signs. Objects cannot be picked up or used as missiles. Long periods of use cause bruising or cuts to wrists.
FLIP-FLOPS
Nowhere to hide a weapon. Too flimsy to kick a guard. Unsuitable for running away in. Can cause bruising if not fitted properly.
As they say in your country
SOD OFF!
Best Regards.
Guantanamo's Neighbors Trying to Adapt (Imposing on Paradise)---America's new penal colony has been constructed so quickly that its architects have not had a chance to think of the future. There are no plans yet for interrogations or trials. No one knows just how long the detainees will be here. Many are young men. The prospect of them spending decades, or even the rest of their lives in Gitmo is something no one has addressed.
Why does the media think John Pike is a "national security expert"?
Wahhhhhh wahhhhhhh!
Want to avoid the real thing?
Don't join the taliban.
Suggestion: for your next brainstorm of the week: spend an hour bowing submissively why a bearded pervert beats you with a stick or a stout leather belt for a reason he gets to pick all by himself.
Research can be so satisfying.
Here are my favorites:
My blindfolded eyes refused to adjust to the dark void that engulfed me. I was instantly disorientated.
How dramatic! Just like when I turn my light out before I go to sleep.
At first, my degrading uniform just felt uncomfortable, the handcuffs and straps around my head an irritating, numbing pain... I told myself not to panic. All I could smell was the nauseating material of the surgical mask. And I knew my moans of discomfort went unheard.
How about loosening the straps. Has this guy ever gone skiing or diving? And to think of all those doctors and nurses who wear surgical masks. I never knew they suffered so much. Can't they get non-smelly masks?
The harsh glare of light blinded me. For a few minutes, I didn't know where I was. Conversation deafened me.
Sounds like me most mornings. Guess I should sue God for making humans so sensitive.
BLINDFOLD... Could harm sight in the long term.
FLIP-FLOPS... Can cause bruising if not fitted properly.
Darkness is damaging. I see. But I agree about the flip-flops. That little piece between the toes is abrasive. sniff...
JJ, you're a journalist, right? Is this guy serious? Or living out some S&M fantasy?
Does sound like he is kind of enjoying it.
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