Returning after Political Detention: 25 Years of Passion for Analog Photography

[mohmad khatab]

"Dear friends, brothers, and sisters at Photrio,

I am deeply moved by your warm welcome. Reading your messages—from those who welcomed me back to the light, to those who quoted Dickens—has truly 'recalled me to life.' Your kindness is the best welcome home I could have imagined.

I want to share a brief update with you. While my spirit is free, I face a new challenge: my photography lab was looted and most of my equipment was stolen while I was away. Thankfully, most of my chemical stocks are safe, but it will take considerable time and resources to rebuild my workspace.

However, a photographer’s eye never stops seeing. If Sean and Koraks allow, I would love to contribute to the 'Humanitarian' or 'Off-topic' section. I have many scenes and observations from my time in prison that I wished I could have captured with my camera. Since I wasn't allowed a lens there, I will try to develop these 'images' with words for you.

On a side note, I was wondering about Engineer Rudolf from Austria? I truly hope he is doing well.

Thank you for believing in me. I hope to be worthy of your trust.

Best regards, Mohmad"

 

[Romanko]

We missed you here. Welcome back!

 

[mohmad khatab]

We missed you here. Welcome back!

Thank you, esteemed Australian artist.

 

[MattKing]

On a side note, I was wondering about Engineer Rudolf from Austria?

Do you know what Photrio screen name he used? I don't recall anyone who used "Engineer Rudolf".

 

[koraks]

Do you know what Photrio screen name he used?

I think I do; could be @Rudeofus

 

[mohmad khatab]

Do you know what Photrio screen name he used? I don't recall anyone who used "Engineer Rudolf".

Don't you remember Mr. Rudi, the respected Austrian gentleman?

He's been a pillar of the forum for 20 years.

 

[koraks]

We usually know people by their forum names, not always their real names. In cases where we do know their real names, we do not generally use them publicly because they may have reasons to not want to be known by their actual name.

 

[mohmad khatab]

I think I do; could be @Rudeofus

Yes, you're absolutely right.
That's exactly it. My mentor, who was also my mentor and a truly great man, helped me immensely, both academically and personally. He even sent me a state-of-the-art computer and purchased a scanner software, covering all the costs out of his own pocket. I used it for amateur scanning, practically at cost. Sadly, all of this was confiscated by National Security, including the entire photo library I'd kept on the computer since I first picked up a camera in 2005 until my arrest. What a pity! What a tragedy!

 

[mohmad khatab]

We usually know people by their forum names, not always their real names. In cases where we do know their real names, we do not generally use them publicly because they may have reasons to not want to be known by their actual name.

Yes, my dear teacher, you are absolutely right.

 

[Sirius Glass]

What you endured was terrible and no one should be subject to such treatment.

 

[mohmad khatab]

What you endured was terrible and no one should be subject to such treatment.

I don't want to tell you what happened, my friend. It was 22 months of indescribable pain. I don't want to recount that heartbreaking journey lest you get chills. I left a year and a half ago, and I'm like someone who woke up in pitch darkness and suddenly stepped into the sunlight. It's a shock, and I can't open my eyes. I feel utterly broken, just like someone who lost their home in an earthquake. I leave and find myself not only back at square one, but that square one has become a distant dream. I'm so far from square one. I can't find any of my cameras, and the computer Rudy bought me was confiscated. My phone was also confiscated, and the mobile phone company took my number and resold it. Consequently, I haven't been able to access any of my accounts, all of which were linked to that phone number. All my clients were connected through that number, as was my Facebook account and the analog stick group on Facebook. In short, everything is lost except... The scanner (but they removed its adapter and data cable), the chemicals, and all the lab equipment from the pH meter to everything else. Oh my God!

 

[mohmad khatab]

Welcome back!

Welcome, my dear.
Greetings to you.

 

[Raghu Kuvempunagar]

a photographer’s eye never stops seeing.

Very moving words! Hope you can get back to photography soon and do what you enjoy the most. Wishing you the very best.

 

[mohmad khatab]

Very moving words! Hope you can get back to photography soon and do what you enjoy the most. Wishing you the very best.

Hello my dear brother...

My words come from the heart.

Thank you for your sympathy and comfort.

May God bless you.

I wish you all the best. Goodbye, my brother.