Testimonies

Read testimony from prisoners around the world on Reprieve's work:

"I was repatriated from Laos back to the UK in August 2009, with the help of Reprieve. I was facing the death penalty and I know for a fact that if not for the hard work and perseverance of people like Clive, I certainly would be long gone. Now I’ve never spoken to Clive or had the chance to express my gratitude, immense gratitude. I came back here and gave birth to a beautiful baby girl. So therefore because of the constant faith and hope, and of course fighting power, I and my daughter have another chance at life. Thank-you Clive and Reprieve and thank you judges. I owe everything to Reprieve, literally my life.” Samantha Orabator, Laos death row, repatriated to prison in the UK

"Reprieve... I love you so much. If it had not been for you behind me I think that I would have lost all hope…in the legal system. Reprieve (are) my earthly champions. If there's going to be any earthly glory, it should go to them." Linda Carty, death row, Texas

"I was told by the police that, “this is what we do”, and they told me that I needed to confess, but they did not tell me what I needed to confess to. Then the next night, they took me out and they tied me up. They then beat my feet. They hit me 15 times. It hurt so much that I almost fainted; it was like being hit with a knife. I told them that I wanted to help and would do whatever they wanted, so they went away and came back with a blank piece of paper that they wanted me to sign. I needed to sign it at the bottom and at various points up the side. The old man then told me that no-one would beat me any more, but I would have to stay there a few days. Later I worked out that this was because they needed to give my feet time to recover. I am so glad that Sarah and Sultana were with me. All of the other prisoners were extremely jealous and could not understand why Sarah would come and visit me so often. They would ask, “Why is your lawyer so interested in your case?” First they asked if she was my wife and then they asked if she was family, but I just said that she was a good lawyer that cared about her clients. Now they all want Sarah to be their lawyer.” - Shabbir Zaib, death row in Punjab, Pakistan, aquitted and released

"I didn't think such an organisation existed. I always thought that we were 'a no value prisoner'. Thank You for providing hope."- Virendra Govin, Briton on death row in California

"I remember the faces of those I left behind nearly three years ago. The steel doors, solid walls, and specially the screams that filled the blocks, I start thinking, and remember, and hope slowly, but surely starts filing my chest, thanks to…Reprieve and all the good people who are helping." Bisher Al-Rawi, released from Guantánamo Bay

"I am so happy, I cannot explain how I am feeling. My feelings are very very strong, I cannot find the words to say. I am sure I can relax... I feel he will be here to stay." - Zohra Zewawi, mother of Omar Deghayes, released from Guantánamo

"I could not possibly show the extent of our unreserved gratitude to all Reprieve staff. But I'll try. From the first minute that my father became a Reprieve client, staff fought his case, showed unconditional support at all times as well as bestowing renewed hope and support to not only my father, but also to myself and my family. Special mentions for everyone at Reprieve, but particularly Marc, Sultana, Maryam, Laura V, Sarah Bilal and Alex Harpe. I most certainly know that there are many others to name, but these were the people that either my brother Hafeez or I, met personally. We knew immediately that our father was in good hands. Thank you ever so much to all staff, for your hard work and supreme effort in doing what you do. I really cannot put into words how thankful we are. My father, my family and I have literally dreamed about this day for years. With your help and support, that dream has pretty much come true."- Nawaz Hanif, son of Mohammed Hanif, released from Pakistan's death row

"Mohammed Hussein is free after seven years of unjustified imprisonment. This freedom was caused by your team, who are devoted to advocating for the wrongly imprisoned. I urge you to keep doing this, which is a universal value, because every human has rights regardless of color, religion, or nationality. Thanks." - A relative of Mohammed Hussein Abdullah, released from Guantánamo Bay 

"I want to thank you for everything you have done. I don't know what I would have done without you and Reprieve. You have shown compassion and kindness which has been of great support to me. I know ultimately you are helping [my family member] and I can't thank you enough for that, but you have been a comfort to me in this madness. To be able to contact you at any time was invaluable. I have said to people that Reprieve were like angels, carrying you above it all. You have been a strength and shown the true human spirit - which is what keeps me going. Knowing that someone you met a few times cares is truly beautiful." -To a member of Reprieve staff, from a family member of a death row prisoner