They came for us in the morning. They wrenched open the thin flaps on our tent and herded us out at gunpoint. Nearly 20 of us stumbled out of that tiny hell hole, bleary eyed, bruised, beaten and malnourished.

The quickly herded us underground, delivering liberal beatings with the butts of their guns to any unfortunate to stumble. One of the men heaved open a heavy steel door, and turned back to us with his gun raised. His eyes showed no compassion, no sympathy, no life.

A low murmur broke out amongst my group as they pushed us into the chamber. I thought maybe they were giving us a new room. It was bigger than our tent. Cleaner too. I turned back to the door just in time to see it slam shut. Suddenly, the women started screeching in what seemed like fear.

I couldn’t understand it! This place is much nicer than our old tent. Why are they scared of it?

The men were slamming at the door with what little strength they could muster. I just watched not understanding why.

Then I heard the hissing of gas.