BAD MEMORIES OF ASIAN PRISON WHERE TIME IS PUNISHMENT

The cold chills won't cease, bad memories cloud my mind. I've just
finished reading Julia Dimon's article and the familiarity of the
situation has brought back recent bad memories in a way I thought were
easing. Having just returned to Canada from spending time in an Asian
prison on drug charges, I can deeply sympathize with Adrian Van
Ommering. The feelings of hopelessness can be unbearable when you are
living in a foreign prison. It's a horrible situation when you are
locked up away from home and family and friends are virtually
powerless to help. In some situations as a narcotics convict, your
freedoms may be further limited.

The Department of Foreign Affairs cannot really help beyond ensuring
equitable treatment, which is far from the comparatively luxurious
conditions I am sure you would find in a Canadian jail.

I cannot stress enough how important it is for Canadians abroad to
take Van Ommering's comments seriously and to not fraternize with
people doing drugs or illegal activities. This is so important,
because once you are caught up in a foreign legal system the adventure
ends and the harsh reality begins.

Stephen O'Brien, Mississauga