That is what Canada is to me. Luxury, comfort, and freedom to be.
Never was it more apparent than this morning. I read a harrowing story in the newspaper about a young software wiz kid, Saeed Malekpour, stuck in an Iranian prison for the rest of his life. At the time of his capture, he was living in Canada. He went home to Iran to visit his dying father. Because he worked in the computer industry, (designing software for big companies in Iran), before coming to Ontario in 2004, he was charged with 'corrupting' the world. The really sad thing is he is completely innocent. He was just in the wrong place, at the wrong time.
He has been brutally tortured by his captives, the "cyber army", beaten to within an inch of his life, given electric shocks that would temporarily paralyze him, stripped naked, and then threatened rape. The poor fellow was kept in solitary confinement for 320 days, and has been in captivity in this savage establishment since 2008. How is he still alive? A miracle, I would say.
His sister has been battling for years to get the Iranian Government to recognize the injustice of his treatment, and to set him free. Her valiant effort has meant his conditions have improved somewhat, and he can now receive phone calls. He told her that fond memories of his 2 years living in Victoria, has helped him survive. He closes his eyes, and visualizes himself jogging down a road, in a park he used to visit here. He loved to swim, hike, and ski Mount Washington. These happy memories are what keeps him going.
As I was enjoying my early morning walk by the ocean this morning, sharing the beach with the seagulls, and watching the ducks gracefully glide over the shimmering water, all I could think about was poor Saeed Malekpour, and how he would give anything to be in my place - even for one hour!
When you read this, please say a little prayer for Saeed, and for all the other innocent folk being subjected to intolerable cruelty all around the world.
We have a lot to be grateful for - FREEDOM - and the cupcakes too!
Luv,
Polly P xxx
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