Conscious Coma: Ten Years in an Iranian Prison

Book excerpt: In 1975, Mr. Rabhan traveled to Iran as a businessman, where he successfully farmed, produced infant formula, and manufactured children’s clothing. One day in 1980, when he was driving to one of his factories in Damgitam, he was arrested, accused of being a spy, and imprisoned without formal charges. His first year was spent largely in solitary confinement. After seven and half years, the Iranian officials finally filed charges against Mr. Rabhan in 1988, and he was given a specific sentence of two years for being a spy. In August 1990, the court said the charge was a mistake, and the American David Rabhan walked away from Evin Prison in Tehran, Iran, with an incredible story in his head and with two suitcases stuffed with more than three hundred sketches of prisoners, who, like himself, were incarcerated for alleged political crimes against the Khomeini regime. Together, the incredible stories and the unbelievable illustrations appearing in this book express the triumph of human dignity and spirit. “David Rabhan is one of the most interesting people I know. The examples of prison art give an insight into his extraordinary character ” (Former President Jimmy Carter).