I was heartened that people everywhere want certain basic freedoms, even if they live in a totally different cultural environment.

There should be no political prisoners in a democratic country.

Those who have to face persistent political persecution become highly politicized. Our lives take on a rhythm different from those who, on waking up in the morning, do not need to wonder who might have been arrested during the night and what further acts of blatant injustice might be committed against our people later during the day. Our antennae become highly sensitive to vibrations barely noticed by those whose everyday existence is removed from political struggle.

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 by now I have made it fairly clear that I am not very happy with the word hope. I don't believe in people just hoping.

I wish people wouldn't think of me as a saint - unless they agree with the definition of a saint that a saint's a sinner who goes on trying.

The important thing is fear should not control your actions. It should not dictate what you do.