As I travel through my country, people often ask me how it feels to have been imprisoned in my home -first for six years, then for 19 months. How could I stand the separation from family and friends? It is ironic, I say, that in an authoritarian state it is only the prisoner of conscience who is genuinely free. Yes, we have given up our right to a normal life. But we have stayed true to that most precious part of our humanity-our conscience.

Religion is about increasing peace and harmony in the world. ... People of all different religions should be given the opportunity to pursue good in their own way.

For me, 'revolution' simply means radical change.

You should never let your fears prevent you from doing what you know is right.

I was a prisoner, but I always felt free because I was not frightened So for me real freedom is freedom from fear.

I think I was the healthiest prisoner of conscience in the world.

I don't think of myself as unbreakable. Perhaps I'm just rather flexible and adaptable.