February 8, 2010 – As we mark the 20th anniversary of Nelson Mandela’s release from prison, we have been moved by articles, written by former political prisoners from around the world, about what Mr Mandela’s release meant to them. The New York Times invited the contributions and published them on February 6, 2010.
This is an excerpt from the article, published in the newspaper’s opinion and analysis pages.
“Nelson Mandela’s Captive Audience
On Feb. 11, 1990 — 20 years ago this Thursday — Nelson Mandela walked through the gates of a South African prison after 27 years of confinement. His release was celebrated the world over. But it had a particular effect on those who were being held as political prisoners by other repressive regimes. The Op-Ed editors asked seven of these former captives to describe what it was like when they heard the news of Mr. Mandela’s liberation.”
To read the full article, please click here