In a recent blog post, Parastoo Dokohaki, an Iranian journalist who was in prison from January 15th to February 26,2012, compares the loneliness of prison Vs. exile.

She says, “I used to think solitary confinement was the loneliest place on Earth before experiencing it. It sounded like the harshest and weirdest type of loneliness when you are cut off from your daily routines. ” Based on her experience, the Iranian blogger said she prefers solitary confinement to migrating from her home country.

Dokohaki still thinks prison is the harshest punishment, but confesses it was bearable compared to exile. She further explains the extent by comparing her previous life abroad as a student and her recent prison experience. “When I was studying in England, I felt more lonely than I did in prison. In prison, at least I knew that my family and friends  were trying to get me out, but when I was in London I was alone in every case. I didn’t have anyone to help me even in case of an accident. I was both alone and lonely, and this type of loneliness is unbearable. ”