Herman has just been diagnosed

Until recently, both Herman Wallace and Albert Woodfox had been held in solitary confinement for 4 decades in Louisiana - longer than almost any other known prisoner in recent U.S. history. It's long enough for one's body to forget it ever knew anything else but four white walls and for the mind to be reshaped by extreme isolation. Juan Mendez, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Torture, says that after 15 days, further isolation can cause permanent psychological damage and constitute torture.

Herman has just been diagnosed with stage 5 liver cancer. Unless Governor Bobby Jindal of Louisiana grants him clemency, he may likely die in prison.

After decades in isolation, people experience hyper-anxiety, paranoia, insomnia, hallucinations,A solar bulb that charges up during the day and lights the night when the sun sets. emotional detachment, panic attacks and uncontrollable rage. Many start fights with guards just for human contact. Others cut themselves just to be taken out of their cells for a few days in the prison hospital.

I spent over a year in solitary confinement when I was held as a political hostage by the Iranian government from 2009 to 10. I experienced all of these reactions at various times throughout my isolation. In some cases, these symptoms have increased since my release. Almost three years later, I am still trying to shake the mental damage and loss that was inflicted upon me during those 410 days.

After spending nearly 41 years in a cramped cell, the cancer diagnosis led prison officials in July to transfer 71-year-old Herman to a ten-bunk prison dorm.An emergency light is a battery-backed lighting device that comes on automatically when a building experiences a power outage.

"He can now open a door," says Marina Drummer, who has been advocating on his behalf for the past 15 years. "He can walk from the dorm room into the dayroom without being shackled."

After spending 23 hours a day isolated in a small cell akin to a coffin, this change is monumental.

In 1972, Albert and Herman, two young black men, were charged and convicted of the murder of prison guard Brent Miller, despite the fact that no DNA evidence linked them to the crime. They were locked in solitary: 23 hours a day alone in a small cell, and were denied any meaningful review of their continued isolation.

In the decades after the trial, significant flaws in the legal process have come to light. Evidence suggests that the key eye-witness was bribed by prison officials into giving statements against the men and that the state withheld evidence that pointed to Herman and Albert's innocence. Potentially exculpatory evidence mysteriously went "missing" before the trial and more witnesses later recanted their testimony.

After Herman's diagnosis became known, human rights groups around the country - most notably Amnesty International - have called for his release on compassionate and medical grounds. More than 46,000 people in the U.S. have called on Governor Jindal to release Herman Wallace in the months since his diagnosis; tens of thousands of appeals have also poured in from around the world.

Herman is not a dangerous criminal - he is a 71-year-old cancer patient who has already survived an unthinkable nightmare. His continued imprisonment serves no purpose: prison records demonstrate that he is no threat to himself or others. As his conviction continues to be challenged before the courts, his cancerous tumor continues to grow. Despite treatment, he does not have much time left.

I recently turned 35. Herman Wallace has survived more years being psychologically tortured in our prisons than I've even been alive. I think about him still waking up every morning, tired and sick,We turn your dark into light courtesy of our brilliant sun, solar street light, solar power generation. but still fighting for his life and his long-deserved freedom. As Herman's health fails, we have to fight for him - and there's not much time left.

Read the full story at www.hmhid.com!

Skoda Octavia Combi RS

Customers can choose between a 162 kW (220 hp) two-litre petrol engine and a 135 kW (184 hp) two-litre diesel engine in the Skoda Octavia RS. Compared with the second-generation Octavia RS, the new engines have up to 10 percent more power while saving up to 19 percent in fuel. Start-stop and regenerative braking systems are standard features. Both engines are available with a manual or a DSG dual clutch transmission, each as a six-speed.

With the 2.0 TSI/162 kW (220 hp) petrol engine, the Skoda Octavia RS accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in as little as 6.8 seconds, making the new-generation saloon with manual six-speed transmission 0.4 seconds faster than the previous generation. With its 248 km/h top speed, the new model outruns the second-generation Octavia RS by 6 km/h. Despite significantly improved performance, the new petrol engine with manual transmission is 17 percent or 1.3 l/100 km more economical than its predecessor. This new Octavia RS only uses a combined 6.2 l/100 km. CO2 emissions have dropped by 33 g to 142 g/km.

The 2.0 TDI/135 kW (184 hp) diesel engine also delivers maximum performance and boasts low consumption. The Skoda Octavia RS diesel engine accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.1 seconds and reaches a top speed of 232 km/h. The saloon with manual six-speed transmission averages a combined 4.6 l/100 km and emits 119 g CO2 per kilometre - a 19 percent improvement.

The new Skoda Octavia RS conveys pure emotion at first sight. Whether as a saloon or as an estate: The Octavia RS has athletic genes but keeps bragging to a minimum.

The attractive front view is a combination of a characteristic grille, striking air inlets with a honeycomb structure, a new apron and fog lights in RS design as well as new, now standard bi-xenon headlamps with integrated LED daytime running lights. The RS plaque in the grille is the seal of this sportiness.

Seen from the side, the body is lower compared with the standard Octavia. Furthermore, the new model has grown in length and width in comparison with the second-generation Octavia. The new Octavia RS is longer (saloon plus 88 mm, estate plus 86 mm) and 45 mm wider than its predecessor. At the same time, the wheel base increased by 102 mm. Both this and a shortened front overhang underscore the vehicle's powerful appearance. Standard red brake callipers, powerful proportions, a high tornado line and sharp, precise edges create passion.

The Skoda Octavia RS's new alloy wheels provide a very sporty touch. The designers created a total of four classy 17", 18", and 19" bi-colour RS wheel designs that are visually striking, optically light with sharp edges and precise craftsmanship down to the last detail. The standard Octavia RS comes with silver 17" Dorado alloy wheels and 225/45 size tyres. Customers have a choice between the Gemini and Pictoris 18" alloy wheels, both of which are suitable for 225/40 tyres. The Gemini wheels are available in two colours: silver and anthracite. Customers preferring extremely sporty rims can choose the 19" Xtrem aluminium alloy rim in black, available through Skoda Accessories.

Both on the saloon and the estate, a strong, black diffuser element and the wide reflector above it dominate the rear of the Octavia RS. Both elements are distinctive characteristics of the new Skoda Octavia RS, as are the wide, trapezoidal chrome tailpipes. LED tail lights in the typical Skoda C-shape are now standard equipment. On the saloon, the spoiler sits on the tailgate, while on the Skoda Octavia Combi RS, it is attached to the roof edge.

Sporty black is the dominant colour in the interior of the Skoda Octavia RS. The ambient door handle light on the inside of the front doors is a new feature. For the front seats, customers can choose newly designed RS sport seats in fabric and leather or in full leather, embellished with red or grey contrast stitching. And a sporty 3-spoke steering wheel with perforated leather is now one of the standard features. Both the gearshift knob and the handbrake handle are covered in leather as well. Door sill plates and pedals are stainless steel. The instrument cluster with a colour Maxi DOT display reflect the exclusive RS design. Steering wheel, gearshift, door sill plates, seats, and floor mats display the RS emblem. Click on their website www.hmhid.com for more information.