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Politics Culture In Focus Contributors

We spoke to current and former detainees who described life in stuffed prisons where mental and physical abuse at the hands of wardens is commonplace. In some cases, prison time was served for smoking marijuana or writing a bad check. But across the continent, political prisoners suffered the most.

Fearing Freedom after Incarceration

Alya Tamraz |

Egypt |

8.9.2017

After spending time behind bars, newly released inmates find it difficult to re-adjust to life on the outside.

Society Prison Slang

Nashwa Farouk |

Egypt |

12.9.2017

In every isolated environment, a unique language develops. Here is some prison terminology known to anyone who has ever served time behind bars in Egypt.

No Distinctions in Tobruk Prisons

Rizq Faraj Rizq |

Libya |

12.9.2017

Overcrowded prisons in Tobruk place petty, violent, and non-violent offenders all together in dilapidated cells.

Society Revolutionary Women Locked Away

Correspondents Egypt |

Egypt |

12.9.2017

The women who live in these old, cramped cells once had the spirits of revolutionaries. But most of them were snatched from their dreams and their freedom after July 2013, after the removal of former President Mohammed Morsi on June 30. Among them are hundreds of girls and women who have been recently arrested for political […]

Society Sardines in a Cell

Sabri Zghidi |

Tunis |

14.9.2017

Overcrowding in tiny, damp cells turn inmates against each other. Wardens accept bribes and turn a blind eye to sexual abuse. One former inmate recalls six months of hell in a Tunis prison.