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Assignment: Zilawe
- Thread starter windar
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There are limits to even Seagram's impairments, Barb...
windar
Teller of Tales
8.
American Woman Sentenced to 10 Years Hard Labor and 20 Lashes in Zilawe
By Barbara Moore in Molabayo, Zilawe, with Ashley Green in Washington
December 11, 2017.
In a proceeding lasting little more than 15 minutes, Meghan Shanahan, 25, of New Jersey was convicted of attempting to overthrow the Zilawean government and insulting the President. She was sentenced to receive 20 lashes and to serve 10 years of hard labor. Since the maximum penalty for these offenses is 40 lashes and 20 years at hard labor, the judge in this case, the Honorable Karm Toon, indicated in court yesterday that he was exercising leniency in his sentence to demonstrate to the international community that Zilawe is a just and compassionate country.
The prosecuting attorney, Mr. Fatou Masippa said, upon leaving court, ”Although we argued for a maximum penalty in view of the threat to our national security posed by this defendant, we are pleased with this verdict. It sends a strong signal that Zilawe will defend its sovereignty against foreign interference from any and all quarters.”
The attorney for Ms. Shanahan, Mr. Peter Otembe declined to comment, except to say that he was filing an immediate appeal with the Zilawean Supreme Court. Sources in Molabayo were unable to cite any examples of successful appeals in cases of this type.
A US State Department spokesperson said, “We are very concerned about the welfare of US citizens abroad. However, it states clearly in every US passport and on our web site that US citizens are subject to the laws of the countries they enter and the assistance the US government can provide if they violate the laws of those countries is limited. We wish Ms. Shanahan well in her journey through the Zilawean justice system.”
A spokesperson for Human Rights International USA in Washington stated, “This entire trial is a gross travesty of justice. No one should be convicted of a crime for mere speech. Moreover, whipping is a cruel and degrading punishment and no one, regardless of nationality or gender, should be subjected to it for any reason. We have vigorously protested whipping punishments handed down by Zilawean courts in the past and renew our objection most strenuously in this case.”
Immediately upon conviction yesterday, Ms. Shanahan, dressed for her trial in a spaghetti strap top and peasant skirt, barefoot, was removed from the courtroom and taken to the Molabayo State Detention Center, where the corporal punishment will be administered today at noon (5 AM New York time). During her protest against the verdict, her top was dislodged, baring her breasts.
Sources within the Zilawean Department of Corrections have described the procedure for the whipping of prisoners. Approximately an hour before the scheduled administration of the punishment, the prisoner is taken from their cell to the prison clinic where they are examined by a doctor to determine their fitness to withstand the punishment. The exam consists of a blood pressure check and listening to the heart and lungs with a stethoscope. Sources could not confirm the exact percentage of prisoners who are found unfit to be flogged, but they believe it to be essentially nil.
Once the prisoner is pronounced fit, they are escorted to the courtyard of the facility, a space approximately the size and shape of a tennis court. The general public is not allowed to witness the whippings, though selected officials involved with the case, including the prosecutor and judge may attend along with others at the discretion of the Department of Corrections. There is room for approximately 150 persons in the courtyard, though how many will be present to see Meghan Shanahan whipped is unknown at press time. No filming or recording is permitted.
In the center of the courtyard is a large wooden structure, shaped much like the letter A. The legs of the frame are sunk firmly into the ground and anchored with cement, such that it will not move when the prisoner struggles under the lash, while the top extends well above the head of the tallest prisoner. “It was inherited from the British who used it in the colonial era to punish unruly natives, so it is fitting that it will be used today to punish a neo-colonialist American who has interfered in the sovereign affairs of Zilawe,” a source who declined to be named stated.
Inside the courtyard, the prisoner is ordered to strip to the waist. The prosecutor in the Shanahan case, Mr. Masippa, addressed concerns about a woman being made to bare her breasts in front of a crowd of mixed genders. “Our law requires that the lashes be given on the bare back and makes no distinction as to the gender of the prisoner. To exempt women purely on the basis of their sex would contravene the basic principles of equality of the sexes.” The prisoner, barefoot and naked above the waist is permitted to wear prison issue pants, though they are often loose and at times, as the prisoner twists and shakes under the pain of the lash, they have been known to slip down to their ankles leaving them naked.
When the prisoner is stripped to the waist, guards escort them to the frame and wrap the thick leather strap bolted to the base of each of the uprights around each ankle, securing them with a buckle. At this point the prisoner will now be affixed to the frame, unable to escape their judicially ordered fate. Their arms are then stretched over their head and shackles are secured around their wrists. The height of these straps is adjustable such that prisoners of various heights are made to stretch on their toes, so the skin on their back is taut, which increases the pain they will experience under the lash.
Once the prisoner is secured, the flogger is ordered to proceed. The whip used resembles the cat o’ nine tails used in the days of naval sailing ships. It consists of nine tails about the length of a person’s arm, attached to a wooden handle. The floggers are specially trained to deliver each lash with maximum force. “The goal of corporal punishment is to make sure the criminal understands the seriousness of their crime and will not repeat it. We also seek to deter others who might be tempted to offend. So they must strike hard,” Mr. Masippa explained.
Each lash is announced by a guard before it is delivered. There is a pause of approximately 30 seconds in between each one. “This ensures that the full measure of pain of each lash is felt by the offender,” an unnamed official said. The punishment continues until the full number of lashes ordered by the court is administered. The prison doctor is present and can stop the proceedings if he feels the life of the prisoner is in danger. No one in the prison service that this reporter spoke with can recall that happening, though in some cases prisoners have fainted and been revived so that the whipping can continue.
Once the full measure has been applied, the offender is taken to the infirmary to have their wounds treated.
How painful is this whipping? This reporter was unable to locate anyone who had actually experienced it first hand by press time. Those who have witnessed them have described hardened men howling and writhing against the frame, begging for mercy. One can only imagine that a mere woman would suffer indescribable agony. This reporter hopes to be able to attend Meghan Shanahan’s whipping in order to judge that for herself. Hopefully she will be able to interview the poor woman afterwards to get her personal reaction.
Sitting in my office, high above the bustling city, I found myself growing excited as I read Barb’s article, which I had just received by email. Her initial story, which had run in yesterday’s paper, reached number five on the list of most-clicked-on articles for the day. I had little doubt that this second one, which described the procedures involved in whipping prisoners in the most prurient detail, would be number one on today’s list, something only a limited number of international stories achieved. And, assuming she was permitted to witness and report on the actual whipping of Meaghan Shanahan, that subsequent article might well be off the charts.
‘Was it news that was fit to print, though? ’I wondered. ‘Hell, yes!’ I told myself and I knew The Chief and the entire Editorial Board would be tickled pink by the interest it would draw.
I typed a quick email to Barb, “Well done, Ms. Moore!” copying all the top editors at the paper as well as her fellow reporters.
But I had to admit that my excitement over the article wasn’t just as an editor, but also as a man. Barb had snapped a photo of Meghan in court and sent it to me. It wasn’t good enough quality to put in the paper with the article (maybe the bean counters should spring for a photographer to accompany the reporter next time), but I enjoyed looking at it. The poor girl looked terrified, like a deer in the headlights. She wasn’t beautiful, but standing in that courtroom in front of the leering judge and prosecutor and the gaggle of spectators there to see the white woman experience the majesty of Zilawean justice, she was attractive in a girl-next-door about to be flogged in an African hell-hole sort of way. The thought of that sweet, naive young woman being stripped almost naked and whipped mercilessly made me hard.
I wasn’t proud of that, quite the opposite, but the erotic nature of the situation was something I couldn’t ignore and I suspected quite a few of our readers, both male and female, would experience the same reaction, though they would likely deny it quite vigorously. Here in the office there wasn’t much I could do to relieve the sexual tension, but I would savor it all day long and then read Barb’s article and look at the photo again at home tonight, possibly several times. After all, an editor for the paper of record needs to be sure that no typos or errors make it into print.
In fact, were it not for the fact that the event was going to take place less than twelve hours in the future and there was no possible way to get there in time, I might have hopped on a plane to see for myself. ‘It’s a damn shame that there won’t be any video,’ I thought.
American Woman Sentenced to 10 Years Hard Labor and 20 Lashes in Zilawe
By Barbara Moore in Molabayo, Zilawe, with Ashley Green in Washington
December 11, 2017.
In a proceeding lasting little more than 15 minutes, Meghan Shanahan, 25, of New Jersey was convicted of attempting to overthrow the Zilawean government and insulting the President. She was sentenced to receive 20 lashes and to serve 10 years of hard labor. Since the maximum penalty for these offenses is 40 lashes and 20 years at hard labor, the judge in this case, the Honorable Karm Toon, indicated in court yesterday that he was exercising leniency in his sentence to demonstrate to the international community that Zilawe is a just and compassionate country.
The prosecuting attorney, Mr. Fatou Masippa said, upon leaving court, ”Although we argued for a maximum penalty in view of the threat to our national security posed by this defendant, we are pleased with this verdict. It sends a strong signal that Zilawe will defend its sovereignty against foreign interference from any and all quarters.”
The attorney for Ms. Shanahan, Mr. Peter Otembe declined to comment, except to say that he was filing an immediate appeal with the Zilawean Supreme Court. Sources in Molabayo were unable to cite any examples of successful appeals in cases of this type.
A US State Department spokesperson said, “We are very concerned about the welfare of US citizens abroad. However, it states clearly in every US passport and on our web site that US citizens are subject to the laws of the countries they enter and the assistance the US government can provide if they violate the laws of those countries is limited. We wish Ms. Shanahan well in her journey through the Zilawean justice system.”
A spokesperson for Human Rights International USA in Washington stated, “This entire trial is a gross travesty of justice. No one should be convicted of a crime for mere speech. Moreover, whipping is a cruel and degrading punishment and no one, regardless of nationality or gender, should be subjected to it for any reason. We have vigorously protested whipping punishments handed down by Zilawean courts in the past and renew our objection most strenuously in this case.”
Immediately upon conviction yesterday, Ms. Shanahan, dressed for her trial in a spaghetti strap top and peasant skirt, barefoot, was removed from the courtroom and taken to the Molabayo State Detention Center, where the corporal punishment will be administered today at noon (5 AM New York time). During her protest against the verdict, her top was dislodged, baring her breasts.
Sources within the Zilawean Department of Corrections have described the procedure for the whipping of prisoners. Approximately an hour before the scheduled administration of the punishment, the prisoner is taken from their cell to the prison clinic where they are examined by a doctor to determine their fitness to withstand the punishment. The exam consists of a blood pressure check and listening to the heart and lungs with a stethoscope. Sources could not confirm the exact percentage of prisoners who are found unfit to be flogged, but they believe it to be essentially nil.
Once the prisoner is pronounced fit, they are escorted to the courtyard of the facility, a space approximately the size and shape of a tennis court. The general public is not allowed to witness the whippings, though selected officials involved with the case, including the prosecutor and judge may attend along with others at the discretion of the Department of Corrections. There is room for approximately 150 persons in the courtyard, though how many will be present to see Meghan Shanahan whipped is unknown at press time. No filming or recording is permitted.
In the center of the courtyard is a large wooden structure, shaped much like the letter A. The legs of the frame are sunk firmly into the ground and anchored with cement, such that it will not move when the prisoner struggles under the lash, while the top extends well above the head of the tallest prisoner. “It was inherited from the British who used it in the colonial era to punish unruly natives, so it is fitting that it will be used today to punish a neo-colonialist American who has interfered in the sovereign affairs of Zilawe,” a source who declined to be named stated.
Inside the courtyard, the prisoner is ordered to strip to the waist. The prosecutor in the Shanahan case, Mr. Masippa, addressed concerns about a woman being made to bare her breasts in front of a crowd of mixed genders. “Our law requires that the lashes be given on the bare back and makes no distinction as to the gender of the prisoner. To exempt women purely on the basis of their sex would contravene the basic principles of equality of the sexes.” The prisoner, barefoot and naked above the waist is permitted to wear prison issue pants, though they are often loose and at times, as the prisoner twists and shakes under the pain of the lash, they have been known to slip down to their ankles leaving them naked.
When the prisoner is stripped to the waist, guards escort them to the frame and wrap the thick leather strap bolted to the base of each of the uprights around each ankle, securing them with a buckle. At this point the prisoner will now be affixed to the frame, unable to escape their judicially ordered fate. Their arms are then stretched over their head and shackles are secured around their wrists. The height of these straps is adjustable such that prisoners of various heights are made to stretch on their toes, so the skin on their back is taut, which increases the pain they will experience under the lash.
Once the prisoner is secured, the flogger is ordered to proceed. The whip used resembles the cat o’ nine tails used in the days of naval sailing ships. It consists of nine tails about the length of a person’s arm, attached to a wooden handle. The floggers are specially trained to deliver each lash with maximum force. “The goal of corporal punishment is to make sure the criminal understands the seriousness of their crime and will not repeat it. We also seek to deter others who might be tempted to offend. So they must strike hard,” Mr. Masippa explained.
Each lash is announced by a guard before it is delivered. There is a pause of approximately 30 seconds in between each one. “This ensures that the full measure of pain of each lash is felt by the offender,” an unnamed official said. The punishment continues until the full number of lashes ordered by the court is administered. The prison doctor is present and can stop the proceedings if he feels the life of the prisoner is in danger. No one in the prison service that this reporter spoke with can recall that happening, though in some cases prisoners have fainted and been revived so that the whipping can continue.
Once the full measure has been applied, the offender is taken to the infirmary to have their wounds treated.
How painful is this whipping? This reporter was unable to locate anyone who had actually experienced it first hand by press time. Those who have witnessed them have described hardened men howling and writhing against the frame, begging for mercy. One can only imagine that a mere woman would suffer indescribable agony. This reporter hopes to be able to attend Meghan Shanahan’s whipping in order to judge that for herself. Hopefully she will be able to interview the poor woman afterwards to get her personal reaction.
***
Sitting in my office, high above the bustling city, I found myself growing excited as I read Barb’s article, which I had just received by email. Her initial story, which had run in yesterday’s paper, reached number five on the list of most-clicked-on articles for the day. I had little doubt that this second one, which described the procedures involved in whipping prisoners in the most prurient detail, would be number one on today’s list, something only a limited number of international stories achieved. And, assuming she was permitted to witness and report on the actual whipping of Meaghan Shanahan, that subsequent article might well be off the charts.
‘Was it news that was fit to print, though? ’I wondered. ‘Hell, yes!’ I told myself and I knew The Chief and the entire Editorial Board would be tickled pink by the interest it would draw.
I typed a quick email to Barb, “Well done, Ms. Moore!” copying all the top editors at the paper as well as her fellow reporters.
But I had to admit that my excitement over the article wasn’t just as an editor, but also as a man. Barb had snapped a photo of Meghan in court and sent it to me. It wasn’t good enough quality to put in the paper with the article (maybe the bean counters should spring for a photographer to accompany the reporter next time), but I enjoyed looking at it. The poor girl looked terrified, like a deer in the headlights. She wasn’t beautiful, but standing in that courtroom in front of the leering judge and prosecutor and the gaggle of spectators there to see the white woman experience the majesty of Zilawean justice, she was attractive in a girl-next-door about to be flogged in an African hell-hole sort of way. The thought of that sweet, naive young woman being stripped almost naked and whipped mercilessly made me hard.
I wasn’t proud of that, quite the opposite, but the erotic nature of the situation was something I couldn’t ignore and I suspected quite a few of our readers, both male and female, would experience the same reaction, though they would likely deny it quite vigorously. Here in the office there wasn’t much I could do to relieve the sexual tension, but I would savor it all day long and then read Barb’s article and look at the photo again at home tonight, possibly several times. After all, an editor for the paper of record needs to be sure that no typos or errors make it into print.
In fact, were it not for the fact that the event was going to take place less than twelve hours in the future and there was no possible way to get there in time, I might have hopped on a plane to see for myself. ‘It’s a damn shame that there won’t be any video,’ I thought.
geolier
Tribune
I liked if the judge were a malevolent and cruel woman adoring the president and loving to be present at tortures. Especially when women are tortured, and even more when naked white women are tortured......
And wasn't it usual in Zilawe that accused have to appear naked at court? Naked until their innocence was proven?
I understand even that reprehensible rag, THE CRUX CHRONICLES, has picked up my article from the wire services and is running it in the next edition.
Well, duh ....
windar
Teller of Tales
It's amazing the kind of crap that some Wraggs, I mean rags will publish. Thank goodness we are here to give our readers factual, non-sensationalized coverage of important stories, right Moore? Now hurry your tight little over to that Detention Center for that whipping. I don't want to miss a single lash... Did anyone ever tell you those glasses make you look smart?
Still trying to decide whether that was a dig or a compliment. Think I’ll go with the first.
Clearly. she is aStill trying to decide whether that was a dig or a compliment. Think I’ll go with the first.
Knight of the Cross of Ultimate Demerits!
I feel it also.
xso
Tribune
A brilliant report, thanks!
Loxuru
Graf von Kreuzigung
Good article! Lucky, no damn pay wall this time!
They seem to be proud of their colonial heritage!
Obviously fake news designed to discredit a friendly regime.
The US Embassy has passed on the compliments of the President,
and advised that the Administration will raise no objection
if the source of this despicable libel is dealt with equally severely
(or more) by the exemplary Zilawean Justice Department.
The US Embassy has passed on the compliments of the President,
and advised that the Administration will raise no objection
if the source of this despicable libel is dealt with equally severely
(or more) by the exemplary Zilawean Justice Department.
windar
Teller of Tales
After all, she's from New Jersey, which is a blue state.
Demerits can operate in two directions....
Truly! I should that try also.
NO NO NO .... ONLY BARB CAN ISSUE DEMERITS!!!
Your job is to receive, NOT to issue. That's privileged!
Is thatNO NO NO .... ONLY BARB CAN ISSUE DEMERITS!!!
Your job is to receive, NOT to issue. That's privileged!
so?
Is that true?NO NO NO .... ONLY BARB CAN ISSUE DEMERITS!!!
Your job is to receive, NOT to issue. That's privileged!