Abstract

Several years ago, I became aware of a network of international groups that is working to raise awareness of imprisoned activists, largely through the use of alternative media. These projects take many forms, including books, pamphlets, websites and films, but are often notable for the fact that they are created by political prisoners and prisoners of war (PP/POWs) themselves, while their distribution is facilitated by people outside of prison. In looking at a selection of these projects, I ask PP/POWs and outside facilitators to reflect on alternative media both as prisoners and as activists. I concentrate primarily on media projects involving PP/POWs in North America from the 1960s to the present, discussing the successes, potential weaknesses and the future of these initiatives.