Page 193 - The Winter of Islam and the Spring to Come

HARUN YAHYA (ADNAN OKTAR)
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thousands were exiled. The Ishas were weakened during the opera-
tion, and the Afars took over the running of the country.
Djibouti became independent in 1977, with 97 percent of the popu-
lation voting in favor. It has since become a nation of military coups.
Between 1977 and 1991, 2,000 Muslims were subjected to inhumane and
humiliating treatment. Amnesty International reports describe terrible
forms of torture and degradation inflicted on people in Djibouti. Some
7,000 people were arrested for no reason and tortured by forces of the
state. 43
Some 3,500 French troops are still based in Djibouti, which remains
under French economic and military domination. Djibouti has no na-
44
tional army of its own and has bowed its head to the French military
presence. France has been responsible for internal security for many
years since the nominal establishment of independence. There are also
many French advisors and officials in the administration. The govern-
ment is at the edge of bankruptcy, kept on its feet only by the support of
European states.
In addition to this longstanding colonial rule, Djibouti now faces
very real poverty. Droughts have led to the losses of large numbers of
livestock, and many people have perished from malnutrition.

THE DJIBOUTI
REGIME'S METHOD

OF TORTURE

In addition to years of internal conflict, the people of Djibouti have also been subjected to torture.
One of these is known as the "Poste." The method was first employed in the Lac Assal deportation
camp in 1993, and victims were placed facedown and their arms stretched out. They were then hung
upside down, their faces level with a hole in the ground, although their faces did not touch the
ground. Two stones were then placed on their shoulders, so that their shoulders were taking on their
whole weight. As a result of this torture, people would be unable to lift their arms. This method of
torture is employed by the army against opponents of the regime. The victim in the photograph is just
one of the thousands of Djiboutians who have been subjected to that horrible form of torture.