Persecution Repression's Hall of Shame

Nelson Mandela notwithstanding, political prisoners still languish in cells decades after their arrests

Some countries, like China, have been known to mete out swift execution to < their political prisoners. Others, like Cuba, imprison them for decades. Indonesia has a uniquely cruel approach. As early as this week, the Jakarta government intends to execute six men for their alleged roles in a 1965 coup attempt -- after keeping them behind bars for anywhere from 18 to 24 years. In February four other purported conspirators were sent before the firing squad. Those killings prompted a burst of protest from overseas, but despite the outcry the government is going ahead with its plan. According to a...

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