Even though the security force did their best to make the confessions look unforced, the sheer number of almost identical confessions should create enough suspicion that no one in the right mind should even remotely believe what is in the confessions. Also the officials that were getting these reports and said they had no idea that they were coerced are most likely lying. I would hope that someone who is in a high enough position of power to be seeing the written copy of these confessions would be intelligent enough to see the pattern in the confessions and question their validity.
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ROOSA,MICHAEL T
The story of the Iranian???s false confession was both shocking and overwhelming. I was aware that things of this nature happen frequently in foreign countries, but it was much different to hear from a personal account. I cannot imagine having to fake a detailed confession, especially while being interrogated and beaten. I believe it takes an extremely strong-willed individual to withstand the pain and suffering and write pages and pages about something that never happened, while knowing that after this confession is released his/her life will change dramatically. Personally, I have a hard time admitting to things I actually do, so I don???t think I could ever admit to something that I didn???t do. If admitting to a false confession would mean my career could possibly end, or that I might be forced to leave the country in which I reside, I don???t think I could bring myself to write it. I am thankful that I live in a country in which our government is fair and does not force people against their will to make false confessions.
Sara Sanfilippo
After listening to the radio story about the Iranian torture, I find myself very happy to live in the United States. I knew that tapings of false testimony against other cultures and media outlets were broadcast to the general public, but it is especially upsetting to hear about through a first hand account. I was very surprised that the reporter said the government was unaware of the forced confessions, however, I don't necessarily believe the word of any Iranian government official. The worst part of the story for me was the lack of protection of the man as a journalist and also as a citizen. I hope the people in Iran can rise above their oppressive government and live more freely and happily, but right now the people are very brain-washed and have restricted knowledge of many facts about their government.
Sincerely,
Kate Livanec
