In ‘Ewout’, presenter Ewout Genemans (38) experiences one of the most exciting moments in his career this week: he delves into the dark world of death rows in the United States. In exceptional circumstances, he may interview a death row inmate.
“No one wants to die in such pain”
On the way to death row, a place where criminals who have been sentenced to death are held, Ewout becomes tense. “Today is the day that we are actually allowed to go to prison, under strict conditions. I have experienced many exciting things, but this is very exciting.”
Upon arrival, Ewout and the team are thoroughly checked. The hood of the car opens, they walk through detection gates and undergo a safety check.
Anibal Canales is ‘unjustly’ on death row
08:51
✕
When all checks are over, Ewout is in one of the highest security prisons in the United States. “Everywhere I look there are fences. This is a place where the detainees see no one, unless someone is allowed to visit.”
It’s a sad atmosphere inside and the atmosphere among the staff is not exactly cheerful. “I can only say that there is a really morbid atmosphere here. Everyone is strict and feisty.”
Ewout and a prison security guard arrive at the place where the interview is taking place. Through a telephone and glass, which are there for Ewout’s safety, he is allowed to interview a detainee awaiting his death.
Also read:
Ewout Genemans shocked by the dangerous world of kickboxing children
Ewout talks to Anabel Cabalis, who should be executed a month after the interview. He has been in prison for more than 22 years, because he was convicted in 1997 of strangling a fellow prisoner. He has been awaiting execution ever since.
The atmosphere of the interview is fairly relaxed, until Ewout asks whether Anabel is afraid of his execution. “Of course it scares me, it’s probably going to be an excruciating pain. No one wants to die in that kind of pain.”
When Ewout asks whether the execution is justified, the detainee answers firmly: “No, I did not do this. I am doing everything I can to prove that.”
Also read:
Trembling Ewout Genemans risks his life in a dark metro tunnel
Before Ewout concludes the interview with Anabel, the detainee gives advice to the presenter. “Live one day, make every day something beautiful. Tell the people you love what they mean to you.”
After the interview, Ewout is left bewildered. Anabel’s words touch him. “Regardless of whether he did it or not, it is very impressive how he talks about his situation. I can respect this.”
Ewout watch every Tuesday at 8:30 PM on RTL 5. Missed the episode? You can watch it again at Videoland.
2023-09-26 19:33:28
#Ewout #Genemans #speaks #death #row #inmate #innocent
