Re various people's comments on Leylan's virtue or otherwise.
There's heartwarming evidence that the actions of people with power in a small way can have influence even under repressive regimes. I quote from 'Like Water on Stone: The story of Amnesty International' by Jonathan Powers (as repro'd in their newsletter -- I'm sure they won't mind)...
In 1978 Shahid Nadeem (a Pakistani television producer and trade unionist) had been sentenced to one year's imprisonment and 15 lashes. His crime: organising a staff occupation of four television stations in Pakistan. ... [After receipt of letter from Amnesty supporter] That evening the deputy-superintendant summoned him. 'He was so friendly and respectful I was shocked. He explained his dilemma as a God-fearing jailer who has to obey orders and follow the rules. The head warden also began to behave himself. Taking their cue, the junior staff changed as well.'
Shahid Nadeem was later released and often muses on how 'a woman in San Antonio had written some kind and comforting words which proved to be a bombshell for the prison authorities and significantly changed the prisoners' conditions for the better.'
Tavia