This story is not mine, but was told to me by a team member, Paul. Details of prison life was gained through a report produced by a Cambodian human rights organisation, LICARDHO - "Prison Conditions in Cambodia 2005 & 2006: One Day in the Life of.".
In a jail just outside of Phnom Penh there is a young man who shares a crowded cell with 40 other men.
His offence? My friend dare not ask. He was only asked to visit the young man by his worried mother who now lives in Australia. But somehow it doesn't matter. (A thief has been jailed for 4 years after stealing only US$0.65 while well connected killers go free).
Meals only come twice a day and are always the same - a bowl of rice and a bowl of soup. He has already lost 25kgs. In-mates with supportive families are able to supplement these miserly rations with food bought at inflated prices from the guards who themselves are on inadequate incomes.
The weight loss could also be attributed to the water - usually rainwater stored in large clay pots and used for drinking, washing clothes and personal hygiene. In general, sickness in such crowded prisons is rife and medical treatment, poor. Exercise outside in the prison yard is allowed according to the guards' whims, and in some jails only allowed once a week.
My friend visited this man with the help of Prison Fellowship and therefore was able to avoid paying the US$10 usually charged by the guards. But what he found astounded him. "This guy is so happy, sometimes even happier than me (and I'm a pretty happy guy)."
While still in police custody, the young man was visited by a Pastor and the news of Jesus and forgiveness impacted him. It has changed his life so dramatically that he now says that he is happy that he was sent to jail so that he could know Jesus.
He has served one and a half years of a ten year sentence.
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