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Prison Newspaper

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Australia's National
Prison Newspaper

ISSUE NO. 17

December 2025

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Culture

Visions Through the Eyes of a Palestinian Prisoner

Damien Linnane is the editor of Paper Chained, a quarterly journal for art and writing which is made available to all people in NSW prisons. Damien was sentenced to two years in prison in 2015 for crimes that were described by the sentencing magistrate as an act of vigilantism. During his sentence he wrote a crime novel, Scarred, and then taught himself to draw. He is currently completing a PhD on the history of prison newsletters in Australia.

Damien Linnane with painting from artist Mohannad Al Azzeh

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The catalyst for one of the biggest art exhibitions I’ve been involved with was a letter to Paper Chained. One of my regular contributors, Khalil, asked me if I could write about the ongoing situation in Palestine for an upcoming issue.

However, as Paper Chained is a magazine aimed at prisoners, we only write about issues relating to prison and the criminal legal system. The letter, however, got me thinking about what it must be like being a Palestinian in an Israeli prison.

I put out a lot of feelers, and eventually I found a former prisoner willing to speak about it; you can read that interview in issue 16 of Paper Chained. That person, Mohannad Al Azzeh, told an inspiring story about how he turned to art during his period of incarceration, even though Palestinians are not allowed to make art in Israeli prisons. Most of his art was found and destroyed by guards, however, some of it was smuggled out, and Mohannad also turned to art again following his release, as a form of art therapy to help address his PTSD from imprisonment.

Knowing what an incredibly powerful story he had – not to mention unique artworks – after the interview I asked Mohannad if he would be interested in having art exhibited in Australia.

That exhibition was launched on November 22nd by Senator David Shoebridge to a packed crowd. ARIA-Award winning rapper Dobby performed at the opening while people were able to see Mohannad’s original art made while at Ofer Prison in the West Bank, the drawings he made as art therapy, and the paintings he created about his imprisonment specifically for the show.

Visions Through the Eyes of a Palestinian Prisoner ran from November 20-30 at The Creator Incubator in Newcastle. The exhibition will tour to its second and final location at Sydney Street Gallery in Marrickville from January 12-19, 2026.

The catalyst for one of the biggest art exhibitions I’ve been involved with was a letter to Paper Chained. One of my regular contributors, Khalil, asked me if I could write about the ongoing situation in Palestine for an upcoming issue.

However, as Paper Chained is a magazine aimed at prisoners, we only write about issues relating to prison and the criminal legal system. The letter, however, got me thinking about what it must be like being a Palestinian in an Israeli prison.

I put out a lot of feelers, and eventually I found a former prisoner willing to speak about it; you can read that interview in issue 16 of Paper Chained. That person, Mohannad Al Azzeh, told an inspiring story about how he turned to art during his period of incarceration, even though Palestinians are not allowed to make art in Israeli prisons. Most of his art was found and destroyed by guards, however, some of it was smuggled out, and Mohannad also turned to art again following his release, as a form of art therapy to help address his PTSD from imprisonment.

Knowing what an incredibly powerful story he had – not to mention unique artworks – after the interview I asked Mohannad if he would be interested in having art exhibited in Australia.

That exhibition was launched on November 22nd by Senator David Shoebridge to a packed crowd. ARIA-Award winning rapper Dobby performed at the opening while people were able to see Mohannad’s original art made while at Ofer Prison in the West Bank, the drawings he made as art therapy, and the paintings he created about his imprisonment specifically for the show.

Visions Through the Eyes of a Palestinian Prisoner ran from November 20-30 at The Creator Incubator in Newcastle. The exhibition will tour to its second and final location at Sydney Street Gallery in Marrickville from January 12-19, 2026.

Australia’s First Picture Book About Parents in Prison

Australia’s First Picture Book About Parents in Prison

Australia’s First Picture Book About Parents in Prison

By Jacqueline Dinan
By Jacqueline Dinan

A new children’s book addresses the incarceration of parents. It’s titled My Dad’s Gone Away and was written by Andrew Krakouer and Jacqueline Dinan.

Culture

ISSUE NO. 15

2 MIN READ

Back to Black

Back to Black

Back to Black

By Vincent
By Vincent

‘Back to Black’ charts Amy's life from her teen years through to her success as a world famous musician and singer.

Culture

ISSUE NO. 7

3 MIN READ

Locked Up on Screen: The Enduring Appeal of Prison Movies

Locked Up on Screen: The Enduring Appeal of Prison Movies

Locked Up on Screen: The Enduring Appeal of Prison Movies

By Benjamin Aitken
By Benjamin Aitken

Even before going to prison, I was drawn to prison movies. Now, after my time inside, I’m even more captivated.

Culture

ISSUE NO. 11

4 MIN READ

About Time Book Club: The Happiest Man on Earth by Eddie Jaku

About Time Book Club: The Happiest Man on Earth by Eddie Jaku

About Time Book Club: The Happiest Man on Earth by Eddie Jaku

By About Time
By About Time

His message is simple but powerful: no matter how difficult life gets, we can choose to be kind, be grateful, and find joy.

Culture

ISSUE NO. 6

4 MIN READ

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Sports Round Up

By Goal Mouth

An overview of recent sporting events, including AFLW, motor racing, soccer and cricket.

Culture

ISSUE NO. 18

3 MIN READ

Straight Outta Risdon – Bars Behind Bars

By Sara

It takes real courage to grab the mic and share your story, especially in front of fellow inmates and complete strangers. Bars Behind Bars is more than a music program at Risdon Prison; it’s a creative outlet that’s uncovering raw talent and powerful voices.

Culture

ISSUE NO. 18

3 MIN READ

Your Armchair Guide to Summer Sport

By Goal Mouth

An overview of recent sporting events, including horse racing, motor racing, AFLW and cricket.

Culture

ISSUE NO. 17

3 MIN READ

Sports Round Up!

By Goal Mouth

A collection of sports news from the past month, including Brisbane possibly being our new sporting capital, Aussie women finding lots of wins in Cricket and loutish crowd behaviour marring the Ryder Cup.

Culture

ISSUE NO. 16

5 MIN READ

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