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  • In the early morning, a lone boy is standing by Hindu writing on a wall near Sersiya Kekrahi village, Varanasi District, Uttar Pradesh, India. In 2012, Kanchan (name changed) went with a friend to bring lunch to her father, around 2 km away from her home. On the way they met Rajesh (rapist) and Ashok, a friend of his. Both girls were picked up on the spot using an excuse. Ashok drove Kanchan's friend home, but Rajesh forced Kanchan to travel with him during six days and for hundreds of kilometres across different states. (Mirzapur / Chennai / Itarsi / Bhusawal) He raped her once behind the station in Itarsi. With great effort and some coincidence, the uncle of Kanchan managed to bring her back home. Although she was scared, she insisted on going to the police to file a case (FIR). She was kept at the police station for 12 days and threatened to prevent her from filing an official case. Ashok and Rajesh are from higher caste and wealthy families. While Rajesh spent 24 days in jail initially in summer 2012, he is now a free man while the trial is still going on. Kanchan's family is now struggling to put together 30.000 Indian Rupees (500 USD) to continue battling for justice in court.
    Sexual_Violence_India_41.JPG
  • Young women are taking part to an awareness workshop organised by Neeta Shani, from the charity PVCHR, in Parmandapur, a rural area near Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India. The girls are painting pro-women slogans on the walls of the local Panchayat, or village council.
    Sexual_Violence_India_40.JPG
  • In the early morning, men are standing around the roads of Sersiya Kekrahi village, Varanasi District, Uttar Pradesh, India, where Kanchan Kumari Sharma, 12, (name changed) resides with her family. In 2012, Kanchan went with a friend to bring lunch to her father, around 2 km away from her home. On the way they met Rajesh (rapist) and Ashok, a friend of his. Both girls were picked up on the spot using an excuse. Ashok drove Kanchan's friend home, but Rajesh forced Kanchan to travel with him during six days and for hundreds of kilometres across different states. (Mirzapur / Chennai / Itarsi / Bhusawal) He raped her once behind the station in Itarsi. With great effort and some coincidence, the uncle of Kanchan managed to bring her back home. Although she was scared, she insisted on going to the police to file a case (FIR). She was kept at the police station for 12 days and threatened to prevent her from filing an official case. Ashok and Rajesh are from higher caste and wealthy families. While Rajesh spent 24 days in jail initially in summer 2012, he is now a free man while the trial is still going on. Kanchan's family is now struggling to put together 30.000 Indian Rupees (500 USD) to continue battling for justice in court.
    Sexual_Violence_India_36.JPG
  • People are passing by a capsized Tata truck on a rural road outside of Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.
    Sexual_Violence_India_35.JPG
  • (name changed) Neelam Bharadwaj, 16, is preparing some rice for cooking while sitting inside her family’s home in Rajbhar village, located around 20 kilometres away from Varanasi, in Uttar Pradesh, India. Neelam was raped when she was 13 years old. After walking to a local shop on the main road neighbouring her village, she was forcibly picked up by two men. While one of them was raping her in the bushes, the other watched out. After some time, she managed to free herself and run away, hiding under a bridge in cold dirty water for several hours. When she returned home in the morning, the family was too afraid to go to the police, but activist Mangla Parsad, 34, from PVCHR, convinced the family to take the right action. The police initially insulted and threatened the family for bringing the facts up, but filed the official case (FIR) nevertheless. The rape was not mentioned in the file due to an inaccurate and superficial medical record that did not, in fact, mention it. Because of social shame facing by victims of rape in India, the family agreed to wed Neelam to an older man, with help of an agent. After the marriage, her husband raped her again for a whole month before she decided to return home with her family. Neelam’s father works in the metal industry in Mumbai and manages to send around 2-3000 INR every month. He only visits the family once in a year. Neelam goes to school and she is studying in 11th Class Standard. She is interested in doing BA in Arts after completing her high school 12th final year.
    Sexual_Violence_India_34.JPG
  • A young girl and other women are walking near a fruit vendor on the roads of Madiyaw colony, Lucknow District, Uttar Pradesh.
    Sexual_Violence_India_29.JPG
  • Under the heavy rain, a boy is sitting inside a rickshaw passing though a busy street of Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.
    Sexual_Violence_India_27.JPG
  • Young women are taking part to an awareness workshop organised by Neeta Shani, from the charity PVCHR, in Parmandapur, a rural area near Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India. The girls are painting pro-women slogans on the walls of the local Panchayat, or village council.
    Sexual_Violence_India_25.JPG
  • A woman and her two children are sitting next to a field in the rural area outside of Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.
    Sexual_Violence_India_21.JPG
  • (name changed) Neelam Bharadwaj, 16, (right) is standing inside her family’s home in Rajbhar village, located around 20 kilometres away from Varanasi, in Uttar Pradesh, India, while her older sister Sanju, 29, (left) is cooking. Neelam was raped when she was 13 years old. After walking to a local shop on the main road neighbouring her village, she was forcibly picked up by two men. While one of them was raping her in the bushes, the other watched out. After some time, she managed to free herself and run away, hiding under a bridge in cold dirty water for several hours. When she returned home in the morning, the family was too afraid to go to the police, but activist Mangla Parsad, 34, from PVCHR, convinced the family to take the right action. The police initially insulted and threatened the family for bringing the facts up, but filed the official case (FIR) nevertheless. The rape was not mentioned in the file due to an inaccurate and superficial medical record that did not, in fact, mention it. Because of social shame facing by victims of rape in India, the family agreed to wed Neelam to an older man, with help of an agent. After the marriage, her husband raped her again for a whole month before she decided to return home with her family. Neelam’s father works in the metal industry in Mumbai and manages to send around 2-3000 INR every month. He only visits the family once in a year. Neelam goes to school and she is studying in 11th Class Standard. She is interested in doing BA in Arts after completing her high school 12th final year.
    Sexual_Violence_India_20.JPG
  • Indian men are walking next to provoking Pepsi advertisement starring Bollywood celebrity Priyanka Chopra, on the streets of Lucknow, the state capital of Uttar Pradesh, India.
    Sexual_Violence_India_02.JPG
  • (name changed) Kanchan Kumari Sharma, 12, is standing insider her home in Sersiya Kekrahi village, Varanasi District, Uttar Pradesh, India. In 2012, Kanchan went with a friend to bring lunch to her father, around 2 km away from her home. On the way they met Rajesh (rapist) and Ashok, a friend of his. Both girls were picked up on the spot using an excuse. Ashok drove Kanchan's friend home, but Rajesh forced Kanchan to travel with him during six days and for hundreds of kilometres across different states. (Mirzapur / Chennai / Itarsi / Bhusawal) He raped her once behind the station in Itarsi. With great effort and some coincidence, the uncle of Kanchan managed to bring her back home. Although she was scared, she insisted on going to the police to file a case (FIR). She was kept at the police station for 12 days and threatened to prevent her from filing an official case. Ashok and Rajesh are from higher caste and wealthy families. While Rajesh spent 24 days in jail initially in summer 2012, he is now a free man while the trial is still going on. Kanchan's family is now struggling to put together 30.000 Indian Rupees (500 USD) to continue battling for justice in court.
    Sexual_Violence_India_01.JPG
  • Kitty, 24, (left) from Trinidad, is adjusting her boyfriend's tie, Josh, 26, (right) form North London minutes before leaving the Ingram Avenue mansion to face the owner's eviction order in Court on Thursday, Oct. 11, 2007, in Hampstead, London, England. The 22-room mansion was last sold for UK£ 3.9M in 2002 and is now awaiting planning permissions to be demolished. Two new houses will soon be taking its place. Million Dollar Squatters is a documentary project in the lives of a peculiar group of squatters residing in three multi-million mansions in one of the classiest residential neighbourhoods of London, Hampstead Garden. The squatters' enthusiasm, their constant efforts to look after what has become their home, their ingenuity and adventurous spirit have all inspired me throughout the days and nights spent at their side. Between the fantasy world of exclusive Britain and the reality of squatting in London, I have been a witness to their unique story. While more than 100.000 properties in London still lay empty to this day, squatting provides a valid, and lawful alternative to paying Europe's most expensive rent prices, as well as offering the challenge of an adventurous lifestyle in the capital.
    MillionDollarSquatters50.JPG
  • Lukatz, 23, from Poland, is sitting on the roof of the Ingram Avenue mansion, Hampstead, London, England. On his left, a swimming pool belonging to the house, in disuse since a long time, is visible. The 22-room mansion was last sold for UK£ 3.9M in 2002 and is now awaiting planning permissions to be demolished. Two new houses will soon be taking its place. Million Dollar Squatters is a documentary project in the lives of a peculiar group of squatters residing in three multi-million mansions in one of the classiest residential neighbourhoods of London, Hampstead Garden. The squatters' enthusiasm, their constant efforts to look after what has become their home, their ingenuity and adventurous spirit have all inspired me throughout the days and nights spent at their side. Between the fantasy world of exclusive Britain and the reality of squatting in London, I have been a witness to their unique story. While more than 100.000 properties in London still lay empty to this day, squatting provides a valid, and lawful alternative to paying Europe's most expensive rent prices, as well as offering the challenge of an adventurous lifestyle in the capital.
    MillionDollarSquatters49.JPG
  • Josh, 26, (left) is arguing with a police officer (right) in regards to squatting rights, on the day owners of the luxurious 89 Winnington Road mansion came to check on the house and found the squatters inside, on Monday, Oct. 22, 2007 in Hampstead, London, England. On the back, the owners are waiting with a smile on their face, sure enough that the house will be made free again by using the police to their own interests instead of having to proceed to court for a repossession order, the standard practice when dealing with squatters if agreements cannot be made.  The mansion was former Indonesian President Haji Mohamed Suharto's top London mansion and was sold in 1999 for UK£ 9.5M when he was being investigated in his home country in regards to his fortune and extravagant lifestyle. Million Dollar Squatters is a documentary project in the lives of a peculiar group of squatters residing in three multi-million mansions in one of the classiest residential neighbourhoods of London, Hampstead Garden. The squatters' enthusiasm, their constant efforts to look after what has become their home, their ingenuity and adventurous spirit have all inspired me throughout the days and nights spent at their side. Between the fantasy world of exclusive Britain and the reality of squatting in London, I have been a witness to their unique story. While more than 100.000 properties in London still lay empty to this day, squatting provides a valid, and lawful alternative to paying Europe's most expensive rent prices, as well as offering the challenge of an adventurous lifestyle in the capital.
    MillionDollarSquatters47.JPG
  • Zil, 23, from Poland, (right) is playing records at a party in the Ingram Avenue mansion, on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2007, in Hampstead, London, England, while a couple of ravers are preparing lines of the drug speed on his right. The 22-room mansion was last sold for UK£ 3.9M in 2002 and is now awaiting planning permissions to be demolished. Two new houses will soon be taking its place. Million Dollar Squatters is a documentary project in the lives of a peculiar group of squatters residing in three multi-million mansions in one of the classiest residential neighbourhoods of London, Hampstead Garden. The squatters' enthusiasm, their constant efforts to look after what has become their home, their ingenuity and adventurous spirit have all inspired me throughout the days and nights spent at their side. Between the fantasy world of exclusive Britain and the reality of squatting in London, I have been a witness to their unique story. While more than 100.000 properties in London still lay empty to this day, squatting provides a valid, and lawful alternative to paying Europe's most expensive rent prices, as well as offering the challenge of an adventurous lifestyle in the capital.
    MillionDollarSquatters44.jpg
  • Lee, 26, from West London is chopping garlic in the kitchen of the Ingram Avenue mansion on Thursday, Oct. 11, 2007, in Hampstead, London, England. The 22-room mansion was last sold for UK£ 3.9M in 2002 and is now awaiting planning permissions to be demolished. Two new houses will soon be taking its place. Million Dollar Squatters is a documentary project in the lives of a peculiar group of squatters residing in three multi-million mansions in one of the classiest residential neighbourhoods of London, Hampstead Garden. The squatters' enthusiasm, their constant efforts to look after what has become their home, their ingenuity and adventurous spirit have all inspired me throughout the days and nights spent at their side. Between the fantasy world of exclusive Britain and the reality of squatting in London, I have been a witness to their unique story. While more than 100.000 properties in London still lay empty to this day, squatting provides a valid, and lawful alternative to paying Europe's most expensive rent prices, as well as offering the challenge of an adventurous lifestyle in the capital.
    MillionDollarSquatters42.JPG
  • Romana, 29, from Czech Republic, (centre) is having fun cooking a barbecue for her guests with Calin's father, Samuile, 55, from Romania (right), in the back garden of the Wildwood Road mansion on Saturday, July 14, 2007, in Hampstead, London, England. Situated opposite Hampstead Heath, North London's green jewel the average price for properties on this road reaches UK£ 2,500,00. Million Dollar Squatters is a documentary project in the lives of a peculiar group of squatters residing in three multi-million mansions in one of the classiest residential neighbourhoods of London, Hampstead Garden. The squatters' enthusiasm, their constant efforts to look after what has become their home, their ingenuity and adventurous spirit have all inspired me throughout the days and nights spent at their side. Between the fantasy world of exclusive Britain and the reality of squatting in London, I have been a witness to their unique story. While more than 100.000 properties in London still lay empty to this day, squatting provides a valid, and lawful alternative to paying Europe's most expensive rent prices, as well as offering the challenge of an adventurous lifestyle in the capital.
    MillionDollarSquatters41.JPG
  • Robert, 25, from Poland is enjoying while having a beer in the back garden of the Ingram Avenue mansion on Sunday, Sep. 16, 2007, in Hampstead, London, England. The 22-room mansion was last sold for UK£ 3.9M in 2002 and is now awaiting planning permissions to be demolished. Two new houses will soon be taking its place. Million Dollar Squatters is a documentary project in the lives of a peculiar group of squatters residing in three multi-million mansions in one of the classiest residential neighbourhoods of London, Hampstead Garden. The squatters' enthusiasm, their constant efforts to look after what has become their home, their ingenuity and adventurous spirit have all inspired me throughout the days and nights spent at their side. Between the fantasy world of exclusive Britain and the reality of squatting in London, I have been a witness to their unique story. While more than 100.000 properties in London still lay empty to this day, squatting provides a valid, and lawful alternative to paying Europe's most expensive rent prices, as well as offering the challenge of an adventurous lifestyle in the capital.
    MillionDollarSquatters38.jpg
  • George, 26, (right) from England and his German girlfriend, Dominique, 21, (left) are consuming a soup cooked on a gas stove in their room, inside the Ingram Avenue mansion, on Saturday, Oct. 13, 2007, in Hampstead, London, England. The 22-room mansion was last sold for UK£ 3.9M in 2002 and is now awaiting planning permissions to be demolished. Two new houses will soon be taking its place. Million Dollar Squatters is a documentary project in the lives of a peculiar group of squatters residing in three multi-million mansions in one of the classiest residential neighbourhoods of London, Hampstead Garden. The squatters' enthusiasm, their constant efforts to look after what has become their home, their ingenuity and adventurous spirit have all inspired me throughout the days and nights spent at their side. Between the fantasy world of exclusive Britain and the reality of squatting in London, I have been a witness to their unique story. While more than 100.000 properties in London still lay empty to this day, squatting provides a valid, and lawful alternative to paying Europe's most expensive rent prices, as well as offering the challenge of an adventurous lifestyle in the capital.
    MillionDollarSquatters35.JPG
  • Zil, 23, from Poland, is running up the stairs leading to his room in the Wildwood Road mansion on Sunday, July 1, 2007, in Hampstead, London, England. Old posters from GlenTree, a property agent, are affixed on the wall picturing the mansion in its best conditions and ready to be sold. Situated opposite Hampstead Heath, North London's green jewel the average price for properties on this road reaches £ 2,500,000. Million Dollar Squatters is a documentary project in the lives of a peculiar group of squatters residing in three multi-million mansions in one of the classiest residential neighbourhoods of London, Hampstead Garden. The squatters' enthusiasm, their constant efforts to look after what has become their home, their ingenuity and adventurous spirit have all inspired me throughout the days and nights spent at their side. Between the fantasy world of exclusive Britain and the reality of squatting in London, I have been a witness to their unique story. While more than 100.000 properties in London still lay empty to this day, squatting provides a valid, and lawful alternative to paying Europe's most expensive rent prices, as well as offering the challenge of an adventurous lifestyle in the capital.
    MillionDollarSquatters33.JPG
  • Visitors at the just entered Winningon Road mansion are looking inside a cupboard found in a room entirely painted in white on Sunday, Oct. 21, 2007 in Hampstead, London, England. The residence, 89 Winnington Road, was former Indonesian President Haji Mohamed Suharto's top London mansion and was sold in 1999 for UK£ 9.5M when he was being investigated in his home country in regards to his fortune and extravagant lifestyle. Million Dollar Squatters is a documentary project in the lives of a peculiar group of squatters residing in three multi-million mansions in one of the classiest residential neighbourhoods of London, Hampstead Garden. The squatters' enthusiasm, their constant efforts to look after what has become their home, their ingenuity and adventurous spirit have all inspired me throughout the days and nights spent at their side. Between the fantasy world of exclusive Britain and the reality of squatting in London, I have been a witness to their unique story. While more than 100.000 properties in London still lay empty to this day, squatting provides a valid, and lawful alternative to paying Europe's most expensive rent prices, as well as offering the challenge of an adventurous lifestyle in the capital.
    MillionDollarSquatters31.JPG
  • The 22-room mansion in Ingram Avenue is pictured at night when lit by a large fire set up by Lukatz, 23, from Poland, in order to get rid of garbage and old or broken furniture, on Tuesday, Sep. 25, 2007, in Hampstead, London, England. The 22-room mansion was last sold for UK£ 3.9M in 2002 and is now awaiting planning permissions to be demolished. Two new houses will soon be taking its place. Million Dollar Squatters is a documentary project in the lives of a peculiar group of squatters residing in three multi-million mansions in one of the classiest residential neighbourhoods of London, Hampstead Garden. The squatters' enthusiasm, their constant efforts to look after what has become their home, their ingenuity and adventurous spirit have all inspired me throughout the days and nights spent at their side. Between the fantasy world of exclusive Britain and the reality of squatting in London, I have been a witness to their unique story. While more than 100.000 properties in London still lay empty to this day, squatting provides a valid, and lawful alternative to paying Europe's most expensive rent prices, as well as offering the challenge of an adventurous lifestyle in the capital.
    MillionDollarSquatters29.JPG
  • Nego, 31, from Romania, is being teased by a friend for having appeared in the local press with the other squatters in regards to their peculiar way of choosing residences to squat, on Saturday, July 14, 2007, in front pf their new mansion in Wildwood Road, Hampstead, London, England. Situated opposite Hampstead Heath, North London's green jewel, the average price for properties on this road reaches £ 2,500,000. Million Dollar Squatters is a documentary project in the lives of a peculiar group of squatters residing in three multi-million mansions in one of the classiest residential neighbourhoods of London, Hampstead Garden. The squatters' enthusiasm, their constant efforts to look after what has become their home, their ingenuity and adventurous spirit have all inspired me throughout the days and nights spent at their side. Between the fantasy world of exclusive Britain and the reality of squatting in London, I have been a witness to their unique story. While more than 100.000 properties in London still lay empty to this day, squatting provides a valid, and lawful alternative to paying Europe's most expensive rent prices, as well as offering the challenge of an adventurous lifestyle in the capital.
    MillionDollarSquatters27.JPG
  • The same room in the Wildwood Road mansion is photographed after the squatters has made repairs and transformed it into an habitable space, on Thursday, June 28, 2007, in Hampstead, London, England. Daniela, 26, from Romania, who is now living in the room, is proud of her achievements. Situated opposite Hampstead Heath, North London's green jewel the average price for properties on this road reaches £ 2,500,000. Million Dollar Squatters is a documentary project in the lives of a peculiar group of squatters residing in three multi-million mansions in one of the classiest residential neighbourhoods of London, Hampstead Garden. The squatters' enthusiasm, their constant efforts to look after what has become their home, their ingenuity and adventurous spirit have all inspired me throughout the days and nights spent at their side. Between the fantasy world of exclusive Britain and the reality of squatting in London, I have been a witness to their unique story. While more than 100.000 properties in London still lay empty to this day, squatting provides a valid, and lawful alternative to paying Europe's most expensive rent prices, as well as offering the challenge of an adventurous lifestyle in the capital.
    MillionDollarSquatters26_B.JPG
  • One of the rooms in the Wildwood Road mansion is photographed moments after the squatters entered the house for the first time, on Friday, June 15, 2007, in Hampstead, London, England. Situated opposite Hampstead Heath, North London's green jewel the average price for properties on this road reaches £ 2,500,000. Million Dollar Squatters is a documentary project in the lives of a peculiar group of squatters residing in three multi-million mansions in one of the classiest residential neighbourhoods of London, Hampstead Garden. The squatters' enthusiasm, their constant efforts to look after what has become their home, their ingenuity and adventurous spirit have all inspired me throughout the days and nights spent at their side. Between the fantasy world of exclusive Britain and the reality of squatting in London, I have been a witness to their unique story. While more than 100.000 properties in London still lay empty to this day, squatting provides a valid, and lawful alternative to paying Europe's most expensive rent prices, as well as offering the challenge of an adventurous lifestyle in the capital.
    MillionDollarSquatters26_A.JPG
  • Zil, 23, from Poland is affixing the Legal Warning used by squatters as a legal way to occupy a residence left empty on the window of the mansion in Wildwood Road on Saturday, June 23, 2007, in Hampstead, London, England. Situated opposite Hampstead Heath, North London's green jewel the average price for properties on this road reaches £ 2,500,000. Million Dollar Squatters is a documentary project in the lives of a peculiar group of squatters residing in three multi-million mansions in one of the classiest residential neighbourhoods of London, Hampstead Garden. The squatters' enthusiasm, their constant efforts to look after what has become their home, their ingenuity and adventurous spirit have all inspired me throughout the days and nights spent at their side. Between the fantasy world of exclusive Britain and the reality of squatting in London, I have been a witness to their unique story. While more than 100.000 properties in London still lay empty to this day, squatting provides a valid, and lawful alternative to paying Europe's most expensive rent prices, as well as offering the challenge of an adventurous lifestyle in the capital.
    MillionDollarSquatters22.JPG
  • Zil, 23, from Poland, (left) is inspecting the door lock of the mansion in Wildwood Road while Calin, 30, (right) from Romania, is moving stuff in the front of the house, on Saturday, June 16, 2007, in Hampstead, London, England. Situated opposite Hampstead Heath, North London's green jewel the average price for properties on this road reaches £ 2,500,000. Million Dollar Squatters is a documentary project in the lives of a peculiar group of squatters residing in three multi-million mansions in one of the classiest residential neighbourhoods of London, Hampstead Garden. The squatters' enthusiasm, their constant efforts to look after what has become their home, their ingenuity and adventurous spirit have all inspired me throughout the days and nights spent at their side. Between the fantasy world of exclusive Britain and the reality of squatting in London, I have been a witness to their unique story. While more than 100.000 properties in London still lay empty to this day, squatting provides a valid, and lawful alternative to paying Europe's most expensive rent prices, as well as offering the challenge of an adventurous lifestyle in the capital.
    MillionDollarSquatters19.JPG
  • Daniela, 26, from Romania, (left) is snapping a few pictures with her camera-phone inside the kitchen of the Ingram Avenue mansion on Saturday, June 16, 2007, in Hampstead, London, England. Nego, 31, (right) her Romanian partner is looking at her while Lulu, 33, another Romanian squatter (centre) is eating some food on the back. The 22-room mansion was last sold for UK£ 3.9M in 2002 and is now awaiting planning permissions to be demolished. Two new houses will soon be taking its place. Million Dollar Squatters is a documentary project in the lives of a peculiar group of squatters residing in three multi-million mansions in one of the classiest residential neighbourhoods of London, Hampstead Garden. The squatters' enthusiasm, their constant efforts to look after what has become their home, their ingenuity and adventurous spirit have all inspired me throughout the days and nights spent at their side. Between the fantasy world of exclusive Britain and the reality of squatting in London, I have been a witness to their unique story. While more than 100.000 properties in London still lay empty to this day, squatting provides a valid, and lawful alternative to paying Europe's most expensive rent prices, as well as offering the challenge of an adventurous lifestyle in the capital.
    MillionDollarSquatters18.JPG
  • Calin, 30, from Romania, (right), Zil, 23, and Lukatz, 23, (centre and left) from Poland are busy clearing the driveway to the mansion in Wildwood Road and making general repairs on Saturday, June 16, 2007, in Hampstead, London, England. Situated opposite Hampstead Heath, North London's green jewel the average price for properties on this road reaches £ 2,500,000. Million Dollar Squatters is a documentary project in the lives of a peculiar group of squatters residing in three multi-million mansions in one of the classiest residential neighbourhoods of London, Hampstead Garden. The squatters' enthusiasm, their constant efforts to look after what has become their home, their ingenuity and adventurous spirit have all inspired me throughout the days and nights spent at their side. Between the fantasy world of exclusive Britain and the reality of squatting in London, I have been a witness to their unique story. While more than 100.000 properties in London still lay empty to this day, squatting provides a valid, and lawful alternative to paying Europe's most expensive rent prices, as well as offering the challenge of an adventurous lifestyle in the capital.
    MillionDollarSquatters11.jpg
  • Josh, 26, (left) form North London, is moving parts of a bed frame to his new room inside the just entered Winningon Road mansion on Friday, Oct. 19, 2007 in Hampstead, London, England, while others are cleaning or having some fun. The dream residence, 89 Winnington Road, was former Indonesian President Haji Mohamed Suharto's top London mansion and was sold in 1999 for UK£ 9.5M when he was being investigated in his home country in regards to his fortune and extravagant lifestyle. Million Dollar Squatters is a documentary project in the lives of a peculiar group of squatters residing in three multi-million mansions in one of the classiest residential neighbourhoods of London, Hampstead Garden. The squatters' enthusiasm, their constant efforts to look after what has become their home, their ingenuity and adventurous spirit have all inspired me throughout the days and nights spent at their side. Between the fantasy world of exclusive Britain and the reality of squatting in London, I have been a witness to their unique story. While more than 100.000 properties in London still lay empty to this day, squatting provides a valid, and lawful alternative to paying Europe's most expensive rent prices, as well as offering the challenge of an adventurous lifestyle in the capital.
    MillionDollarSquatters09.JPG
  • Pete, 23, from Lincolnshire, is ready to spend the first night inside the just entered Winningon Road mansion on Friday, Oct. 19, 2007 in Hampstead, London, England. The dream residence, 89 Winnington Road, was former Indonesian President Haji Mohamed Suharto's top London mansion and was sold in 1999 for UK£ 9.5M when he was being investigated in his home country in regards to his fortune and extravagant lifestyle. Million Dollar Squatters is a documentary project in the lives of a peculiar group of squatters residing in three multi-million mansions in one of the classiest residential neighbourhoods of London, Hampstead Garden. The squatters' enthusiasm, their constant efforts to look after what has become their home, their ingenuity and adventurous spirit have all inspired me throughout the days and nights spent at their side. Between the fantasy world of exclusive Britain and the reality of squatting in London, I have been a witness to their unique story. While more than 100.000 properties in London still lay empty to this day, squatting provides a valid, and lawful alternative to paying Europe's most expensive rent prices, as well as offering the challenge of an adventurous lifestyle in the capital.
    MillionDollarSquatters08.JPG
  • Calin, 30, from Romania, (left) is driving his van along the streets of Hampstead, one of the most exclusive residential areas of London in search of a new mansion to squat. Lukatz, 23, from Poland, (right) is having a beer while checking on the road, in Hampstead, London, England.
    MillionDollarSquatters01.JPG
  • A boy is walking on the small bridge near Rajbhar village, under which Neelam Bharadwaj, 16,(name changed) has been hiding a whole night during her ordeal, while trying to escape from her attackers, around 20 kilometres away from Varanasi, in Uttar Pradesh, India. Neelam was raped when she was 13 years old. After walking to a local shop on the main road neighbouring her village, she was forcibly picked up by two men. While one of them was raping her in the bushes, the other watched out. After some time, she managed to free herself and run away, hiding under a bridge in cold dirty water for several hours. When she returned home in the morning, the family was too afraid to go to the police, but activist Mangla Parsad, 34, from PVCHR, convinced the family to take the right action. The police initially insulted and threatened the family for bringing the facts up, but filed the official case (FIR) nevertheless. The rape was not mentioned in the file due to an inaccurate and superficial medical record that did not, in fact, mention it. Because of social shame facing by victims of rape in India, the family agreed to wed Neelam to an older man, with help of an agent. After the marriage, her husband raped her again for a whole month before she decided to return home with her family. Neelam’s father works in the metal industry in Mumbai and manages to send around 2-3000 INR every month. He only visits the family once in a year. Neelam goes to school and she is studying in 11th Class Standard. She is interested in doing BA in Arts after completing her high school 12th final year.
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  • A lone woman is crossing a small fence near a railway crossing on the outskirts of Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.
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  • (name changed) Neelam Bharadwaj, 16, (right) is preparing some rice for cooking while sitting inside her family’s home in Rajbhar village, located around 20 kilometres away from Varanasi, in Uttar Pradesh, India. Neelam was raped when she was 13 years old. After walking to a local shop on the main road neighbouring her village, she was forcibly picked up by two men. While one of them was raping her in the bushes, the other watched out. After some time, she managed to free herself and run away, hiding under a bridge in cold dirty water for several hours. When she returned home in the morning, the family was too afraid to go to the police, but activist Mangla Parsad, 34, from PVCHR, convinced the family to take the right action. The police initially insulted and threatened the family for bringing the facts up, but filed the official case (FIR) nevertheless. The rape was not mentioned in the file due to an inaccurate and superficial medical record that did not, in fact, mention it. Because of social shame facing by victims of rape in India, the family agreed to wed Neelam to an older man, with help of an agent. After the marriage, her husband raped her again for a whole month before she decided to return home with her family. Neelam’s father works in the metal industry in Mumbai and manages to send around 2-3000 INR every month. He only visits the family once in a year. Neelam goes to school and she is studying in 11th Class Standard. She is interested in doing BA in Arts after completing her high school 12th final year.
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  • Children are taking part to an awareness workshop organised by Neeta Shani, from the charity PVCHR, in Parmandapur, a rural area near Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.
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  • Two young children are enjoying a moment together while their parents are walking around Rajbhar village, where Neelam Bharadwaj, 16, (name changed) resides with her family, around 20 kilometres away from Varanasi, in Uttar Pradesh, India. Neelam was raped when she was 13 years old. After walking to a local shop on the main road neighbouring her village, she was forcibly picked up by two men. While one of them was raping her in the bushes, the other watched out. After some time, she managed to free herself and run away, hiding under a bridge in cold dirty water for several hours. When she returned home in the morning, the family was too afraid to go to the police, but activist Mangla Parsad, 34, from PVCHR, convinced the family to take the right action. The police initially insulted and threatened the family for bringing the facts up, but filed the official case (FIR) nevertheless. The rape was not mentioned in the file due to an inaccurate and superficial medical record that did not, in fact, mention it. Because of social shame facing by victims of rape in India, the family agreed to wed Neelam to an older man, with help of an agent. After the marriage, her husband raped her again for a whole month before she decided to return home with her family. Neelam’s father works in the metal industry in Mumbai and manages to send around 2-3000 INR every month. He only visits the family once in a year. Neelam goes to school and she is studying in 11th Class Standard. She is interested in doing BA in Arts after completing her high school 12th final year.
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  • The father of Kanchan Kumari Sharma, 12, (name changed) Raja Kumar Sharma, 45, (left) a barber, earning around 150 INR a day, (3 USD) is sitting with his brother-in-law, Santosh Kumar, Verma, 42, a small businessman dealing in rice and wheat. With them are Kanchan’s eldest brother Avesh Sharma, 24 (second from right) and her older one, Ashok Sharma, 19. (second from left) In 2012, Kanchan went with a friend to bring lunch to her father, around 2 km away from her home. On the way they met Rajesh (rapist) and Ashok, a friend of his. Both girls were picked up on the spot using an excuse. Ashok drove Kanchan's friend home, but Rajesh forced Kanchan to travel with him during six days and for hundreds of kilometres across different states. (Mirzapur / Chennai / Itarsi / Bhusawal) He raped her once behind the station in Itarsi. With great effort and some coincidence, the uncle of Kanchan managed to bring her back home. Although she was scared, she insisted on going to the police to file a case (FIR). She was kept at the police station for 12 days and threatened to prevent her from filing an official case. Ashok and Rajesh are from higher caste and wealthy families. While Rajesh spent 24 days in jail initially in summer 2012, he is now a free man while the trial is still going on. Kanchan's family is now struggling to put together 30.000 Indian Rupees (500 USD) to continue battling for justice in court.
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  • Villagers are passing by a billboard advertisement boasting a sexy model on heels, on a rural road outside of Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.
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  • The older sister of Neelam Bharadwaj, 16, (name changed) Sanju, 29, is carrying her youngest son, Prince Kumar, 3, while inside her family’s home in Rajbhar village, located around 20 kilometres away from Varanasi, in Uttar Pradesh, India. Neelam was raped when she was 13 years old. After walking to a local shop on the main road neighbouring her village, she was forcibly picked up by two men. While one of them was raping her in the bushes, the other watched out. After some time, she managed to free herself and run away, hiding under a bridge in cold dirty water for several hours. When she returned home in the morning, the family was too afraid to go to the police, but activist Mangla Parsad, 34, from PVCHR, convinced the family to take the right action. The police initially insulted and threatened the family for bringing the facts up, but filed the official case (FIR) nevertheless. The rape was not mentioned in the file due to an inaccurate and superficial medical record that did not, in fact, mention it. Because of social shame facing by victims of rape in India, the family agreed to wed Neelam to an older man, with help of an agent. After the marriage, her husband raped her again for a whole month before she decided to return home with her family. Neelam’s father works in the metal industry in Mumbai and manages to send around 2-3000 INR every month. He only visits the family once in a year. Neelam goes to school and she is studying in 11th Class Standard. She is interested in doing BA in Arts after completing her high school 12th final year.
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  • (name changed) Neelam Bharadwaj, 16, is standing among some clothes inside her family’s home in Rajbhar village, located around 20 kilometres away from Varanasi, in Uttar Pradesh, India. Neelam was raped when she was 13 years old. After walking to a local shop on the main road neighbouring her village, she was forcibly picked up by two men. While one of them was raping her in the bushes, the other watched out. After some time, she managed to free herself and run away, hiding under a bridge in cold dirty water for several hours. When she returned home in the morning, the family was too afraid to go to the police, but activist Mangla Parsad, 34, from PVCHR, convinced the family to take the right action. The police initially insulted and threatened the family for bringing the facts up, but filed the official case (FIR) nevertheless. The rape was not mentioned in the file due to an inaccurate and superficial medical record that did not, in fact, mention it. Because of social shame facing by victims of rape in India, the family agreed to wed Neelam to an older man, with help of an agent. After the marriage, her husband raped her again for a whole month before she decided to return home with her family. Neelam’s father works in the metal industry in Mumbai and manages to send around 2-3000 INR every month. He only visits the family once in a year. Neelam goes to school and she is studying in 11th Class Standard. She is interested in doing BA in Arts after completing her high school 12th final year.
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  • Geeta, (right) around 40 years old, is recounting how her younger daughter Radhika, 4, was kidnapped, raped and murdered on July 7th-8th, while her other daughter, Poonam, 8, (left) is sitting next to her, on a road inside Pakkatalab colony, in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. Radhika was kidnapped out of the family’s house, nobody noticed. Her mother, Geeta, woke up at around 2am on July 8th and went searching for her younger daughter. She also went to the police, but they didn't do anything to help finding the girl. Geeta found her girl on the street, already dead. According to ‘The Times of India’, around 60 wounds were found on the girl’s body. Instead of filing an official case, (FIR) the police told the mother that street dogs had killed her child. The post-mortem examination showed differently, and also proved that Radhika was raped. After some street demonstrations, the two police officers involved were suspended, and the police have now started searching for evidence. A destitute woman, Geeta makes and sells stones that are used as a flat base where to shred and chip vegetables. Her husband, Raju, died 3 years ago.
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  • (from left to Right) The squatters' lawyer, Kitty, 24, from Trinidad, Josh, 26, from North London, and George, 26, from England, are cheering outside an East Finchley Court after the judge postponed the eviction order because the owners did not present the right papers needed on the day, on Thursday, Oct. 11, 2007, in East Finchley, London, England. The squatters have now gained an additional two weeks' time to find a new place where to move in. The 22-room mansion was last sold for UK£ 3.9M in 2002 and is now awaiting planning permissions to be demolished. Two new houses will soon be taking its place. Million Dollar Squatters is a documentary project in the lives of a peculiar group of squatters residing in three multi-million mansions in one of the classiest residential neighbourhoods of London, Hampstead Garden. The squatters' enthusiasm, their constant efforts to look after what has become their home, their ingenuity and adventurous spirit have all inspired me throughout the days and nights spent at their side. Between the fantasy world of exclusive Britain and the reality of squatting in London, I have been a witness to their unique story. While more than 100.000 properties in London still lay empty to this day, squatting provides a valid, and lawful alternative to paying Europe's most expensive rent prices, as well as offering the challenge of an adventurous lifestyle in the capital.
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  • Lee, 26, from West London, (left) and Pete, 23, from Lincolnshire, (right) are smoking while other squatters and friends are chatting in Zil's room inside the Wildwood Road mansion on Sunday, Sep. 30, 2007, in Hampstead, London, England. Situated opposite Hampstead Heath, North London?s green jewel the average price for properties on this road reaches £ 2,500,000. Million Dollar Squatters is a documentary project in the lives of a peculiar group of squatters residing in three multi-million mansions in one of the classiest residential neighbourhoods of London, Hampstead Garden. The squatters' enthusiasm, their constant efforts to look after what has become their home, their ingenuity and adventurous spirit have all inspired me throughout the days and nights spent at their side. Between the fantasy world of exclusive Britain and the reality of squatting in London, I have been a witness to their unique story. While more than 100.000 properties in London still lay empty to this day, squatting provides a valid, and lawful alternative to paying Europe's most expensive rent prices, as well as offering the challenge of an adventurous lifestyle in the capital.
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  • Some squatters and other friends are staying in the same room to keep warm after having ran out of petrol for their generator on Sunday, Oct. 7, 2007, in the Ingram Avenue mansion, Hampstead, London, England. Some of them are playing chess at candlelight, while others are just relaxing on the bed after a party has been going on the night before. The 22-room mansion was last sold for UK£ 3.9M in 2002 and is now awaiting planning permissions to be demolished. Two new houses will soon be taking its place. Million Dollar Squatters is a documentary project in the lives of a peculiar group of squatters residing in three multi-million mansions in one of the classiest residential neighbourhoods of London, Hampstead Garden. The squatters' enthusiasm, their constant efforts to look after what has become their home, their ingenuity and adventurous spirit have all inspired me throughout the days and nights spent at their side. Between the fantasy world of exclusive Britain and the reality of squatting in London, I have been a witness to their unique story. While more than 100.000 properties in London still lay empty to this day, squatting provides a valid, and lawful alternative to paying Europe's most expensive rent prices, as well as offering the challenge of an adventurous lifestyle in the capital.
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  • Kostica, 42, from Romania, is entering the front door of the Ingram Avenue mansion on Sunday, Sep. 23, 2007, in Hampstead, London, England. The 22-room mansion was last sold for UK£ 3.9M in 2002 and is now awaiting planning permissions to be demolished. Two new houses will soon be taking its place. Million Dollar Squatters is a documentary project in the lives of a peculiar group of squatters residing in three multi-million mansions in one of the classiest residential neighbourhoods of London, Hampstead Garden. The squatters' enthusiasm, their constant efforts to look after what has become their home, their ingenuity and adventurous spirit have all inspired me throughout the days and nights spent at their side. Between the fantasy world of exclusive Britain and the reality of squatting in London, I have been a witness to their unique story. While more than 100.000 properties in London still lay empty to this day, squatting provides a valid, and lawful alternative to paying Europe's most expensive rent prices, as well as offering the challenge of an adventurous lifestyle in the capital.
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  • Kitty, 24, from Trinidad, is laughing on one of the sofas inside the Ingram Avenue mansion, on Saturday, Sep. 22, 2007, in Hampstead, London, England. The 22-room mansion was last sold for UK£ 3.9M in 2002 and is now awaiting planning permissions to be demolished. Two new houses will soon be taking its place. Million Dollar Squatters is a documentary project in the lives of a peculiar group of squatters residing in three multi-million mansions in one of the classiest residential neighbourhoods of London, Hampstead Garden. The squatters' enthusiasm, their constant efforts to look after what has become their home, their ingenuity and adventurous spirit have all inspired me throughout the days and nights spent at their side. Between the fantasy world of exclusive Britain and the reality of squatting in London, I have been a witness to their unique story. While more than 100.000 properties in London still lay empty to this day, squatting provides a valid, and lawful alternative to paying Europe's most expensive rent prices, as well as offering the challenge of an adventurous lifestyle in the capital.
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  • Two friends of Calin, one of the squatters living in the Wildwood Road mansion, Karina, 28, from Poland, (left) and Meshell, 36, from England, (centre) are laughing in the living room during a warm summer afternoon, while Pete, 23, from Lincolnshire, (right) is shaving his head, on Sunday, Aug. 5, 2007, in Hampstead, London, England. Situated opposite Hampstead Heath, North London's green jewel the average price for properties on this road reaches £ 2,500,000. Million Dollar Squatters is a documentary project in the lives of a peculiar group of squatters residing in three multi-million mansions in one of the classiest residential neighbourhoods of London, Hampstead Garden. The squatters' enthusiasm, their constant efforts to look after what has become their home, their ingenuity and adventurous spirit have all inspired me throughout the days and nights spent at their side. Between the fantasy world of exclusive Britain and the reality of squatting in London, I have been a witness to their unique story. While more than 100.000 properties in London still lay empty to this day, squatting provides a valid, and lawful alternative to paying Europe's most expensive rent prices, as well as offering the challenge of an adventurous lifestyle in the capital.
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  • Calin's father, Samuile, 55, from Romania is taking a break after having moved broken, old, or unusable furniture from the mansion in Wildwood Road on Sunday, July 22, 2007, in Hampstead, London, England. Situated opposite Hampstead Heath, North London's green jewel the average price for properties on this road reaches £ 2,500,000. Million Dollar Squatters is a documentary project in the lives of a peculiar group of squatters residing in three multi-million mansions in one of the classiest residential neighbourhoods of London, Hampstead Garden. The squatters' enthusiasm, their constant efforts to look after what has become their home, their ingenuity and adventurous spirit have all inspired me throughout the days and nights spent at their side. Between the fantasy world of exclusive Britain and the reality of squatting in London, I have been a witness to their unique story. While more than 100.000 properties in London still lay empty to this day, squatting provides a valid, and lawful alternative to paying Europe's most expensive rent prices, as well as offering the challenge of an adventurous lifestyle in the capital.
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  • Kostica, 42, from Romania, is giving the final touches to the just erected new wall inside the Wildwood Road mansion, on Sunday, July 1, 2007, in Hampstead, London, England. Situated opposite Hampstead Heath, North London's green jewel the average price for properties on this road reaches £ 2,500,000. Million Dollar Squatters is a documentary project in the lives of a peculiar group of squatters residing in three multi-million mansions in one of the classiest residential neighbourhoods of London, Hampstead Garden. The squatters' enthusiasm, their constant efforts to look after what has become their home, their ingenuity and adventurous spirit have all inspired me throughout the days and nights spent at their side. Between the fantasy world of exclusive Britain and the reality of squatting in London, I have been a witness to their unique story. While more than 100.000 properties in London still lay empty to this day, squatting provides a valid, and lawful alternative to paying Europe's most expensive rent prices, as well as offering the challenge of an adventurous lifestyle in the capital.
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  • Lukatz, 23, from Poland, (left) is walking in the kitchen of the mansion on Ingram Avenue, while Kostica, 42, (right) from Romania, is washing dishes at the tap, on Friday, July 29, 2007, in Hampstead, London, England. Magazines with the latest property offers are still delivered regularly to the address. The 22-room mansion was last sold for UK£ 3.9M in 2002 and is now awaiting planning permissions to be demolished. Two new houses will soon be taking its place. Million Dollar Squatters is a documentary project in the lives of a peculiar group of squatters residing in three multi-million mansions in one of the classiest residential neighbourhoods of London, Hampstead Garden. The squatters' enthusiasm, their constant efforts to look after what has become their home, their ingenuity and adventurous spirit have all inspired me throughout the days and nights spent at their side. Between the fantasy world of exclusive Britain and the reality of squatting in London, I have been a witness to their unique story. While more than 100.000 properties in London still lay empty to this day, squatting provides a valid, and lawful alternative to paying Europe's most expensive rent prices, as well as offering the challenge of an adventurous lifestyle in the capital.
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  • Kitty, 24, from Trinidad, is brushing her hair at the mirror in her room inside the newly squatted luxurious mansion in Winnington Road, on Saturday, Oct. 20, 2007, in Hampstead, London, England. The residence, 89 Winnington Road, was former Indonesian President Haji Mohamed Suharto's top London mansion and was sold in 1999 for UK£ 9.5M when he was being investigated in his home country in regards to his fortune and extravagant lifestyle. Million Dollar Squatters is a documentary project in the lives of a peculiar group of squatters residing in three multi-million mansions in one of the classiest residential neighbourhoods of London, Hampstead Garden. The squatters' enthusiasm, their constant efforts to look after what has become their home, their ingenuity and adventurous spirit have all inspired me throughout the days and nights spent at their side. Between the fantasy world of exclusive Britain and the reality of squatting in London, I have been a witness to their unique story. While more than 100.000 properties in London still lay empty to this day, squatting provides a valid, and lawful alternative to paying Europe's most expensive rent prices, as well as offering the challenge of an adventurous lifestyle in the capital.
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  • Lee, 26, from West London, is having a cigarette while sitting in a large empty room inside the just entered Winningon Road mansion on Friday, Oct. 19, 2007 in Hampstead, London, England. The residence, 89 Winnington Road, was former Indonesian President Haji Mohamed Suharto's top London mansion and was sold in 1999 for UK£ 9.5M when he was being investigated in his home country in regards to his fortune and extravagant lifestyle. Million Dollar Squatters is a documentary project in the lives of a peculiar group of squatters residing in three multi-million mansions in one of the classiest residential neighbourhoods of London, Hampstead Garden. The squatters' enthusiasm, their constant efforts to look after what has become their home, their ingenuity and adventurous spirit have all inspired me throughout the days and nights spent at their side. Between the fantasy world of exclusive Britain and the reality of squatting in London, I have been a witness to their unique story. While more than 100.000 properties in London still lay empty to this day, squatting provides a valid, and lawful alternative to paying Europe's most expensive rent prices, as well as offering the challenge of an adventurous lifestyle in the capital.
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  • Lee, 26, (right) from West London, is trying to open one of the front windows in a mansion along St. John's Avenue, one of the most luxurious and expensive roads in London, while Pete, 23, (left) from Lincolnshire, is backing him up on Tuesday, Oct. 16, 2007 in Hampstead, London, England. Their house, 24 Ingram Avenue, Hampstead, is being repossessed by the owner in a few days and they need a new place to live in. The 22-room mansion was last sold for UK£ 3.9M in 2002 and is now awaiting planning permissions to be demolished. Two new houses will soon be taking its place. Million Dollar Squatters is a documentary project in the lives of a peculiar group of squatters residing in three multi-million mansions in one of the classiest residential neighbourhoods of London, Hampstead Garden. The squatters' enthusiasm, their constant efforts to look after what has become their home, their ingenuity and adventurous spirit have all inspired me throughout the days and nights spent at their side. Between the fantasy world of exclusive Britain and the reality of squatting in London, I have been a witness to their unique story. While more than 100.000 properties in London still lay empty to this day, squatting provides a valid, and lawful alternative to paying Europe's most expensive rent prices, as well as offering the challenge of an adventurous lifestyle in the capital.
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  • Pete, 26, form Lincolnshire, is smiling in amazement after having discovered electricity is working in the new mansion he and the others have just been able to enter tonight, on Thursday, Oct. 18, 2007, in Hampstead, London, England. The residence, 89 Winnington Road, was former Indonesian President Haji Mohamed Suharto's top London mansion and was sold in 1999 for UK£ 9.5M when he was being investigated in his home country in regards to his fortune and extravagant lifestyle. Million Dollar Squatters is a documentary project in the lives of a peculiar group of squatters residing in three multi-million mansions in one of the classiest residential neighbourhoods of London, Hampstead Garden. The squatters' enthusiasm, their constant efforts to look after what has become their home, their ingenuity and adventurous spirit have all inspired me throughout the days and nights spent at their side. Between the fantasy world of exclusive Britain and the reality of squatting in London, I have been a witness to their unique story. While more than 100.000 properties in London still lay empty to this day, squatting provides a valid, and lawful alternative to paying Europe's most expensive rent prices, as well as offering the challenge of an adventurous lifestyle in the capital.
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  • (name changed) Neelam Bharadwaj, 16, (second from right) is preparing some rice for cooking, while her older sister Sanju, 29, (right) is preparing a pot with water, inside their home in Rajbhar village, located around 20 kilometres away from Varanasi, in Uttar Pradesh, India. Sanju's children, Payel, 5, (second from left) and Prince Kumar, 3, (left) are sitting nearby. Neelam was raped when she was 13 years old. After walking to a local shop on the main road neighbouring her village, she was forcibly picked up by two men. While one of them was raping her in the bushes, the other watched out. After some time, she managed to free herself and run away, hiding under a bridge in cold dirty water for several hours. When she returned home in the morning, the family was too afraid to go to the police, but activist Mangla Parsad, 34, from PVCHR, convinced the family to take the right action. The police initially insulted and threatened the family for bringing the facts up, but filed the official case (FIR) nevertheless. The rape was not mentioned in the file due to an inaccurate and superficial medical record that did not, in fact, mention it. Because of social shame facing by victims of rape in India, the family agreed to wed Neelam to an older man, with help of an agent. After the marriage, her husband raped her again for a whole month before she decided to return home with her family. Neelam’s father works in the metal industry in Mumbai and manages to send around 2-3000 INR every month. He only visits the family once in a year. Neelam goes to school and she is studying in 11th Class Standard. She is interested in doing BA in Arts after completing her high school 12th final year.
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  • Schoolgirls in uniform are waiting for a rickshaw on the streets of Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.
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  • A young boy (right) and a man (left) and facing each other on a road inside Rajbhar village, where Neelam Bharadwaj, 16, (name changed) resides with her family, around 20 kilometres away from Varanasi, in Uttar Pradesh, India. Neelam was raped when she was 13 years old. After walking to a local shop on the main road neighbouring her village, she was forcibly picked up by two men. While one of them was raping her in the bushes, the other watched out. After some time, she managed to free herself and run away, hiding under a bridge in cold dirty water for several hours. When she returned home in the morning, the family was too afraid to go to the police, but activist Mangla Parsad, 34, from PVCHR, convinced the family to take the right action. The police initially insulted and threatened the family for bringing the facts up, but filed the official case (FIR) nevertheless. The rape was not mentioned in the file due to an inaccurate and superficial medical record that did not, in fact, mention it. Because of social shame facing by victims of rape in India, the family agreed to wed Neelam to an older man, with help of an agent. After the marriage, her husband raped her again for a whole month before she decided to return home with her family. Neelam’s father works in the metal industry in Mumbai and manages to send around 2-3000 INR every month. He only visits the family once in a year. Neelam goes to school and she is studying in 11th Class Standard. She is interested in doing BA in Arts after completing her high school 12th final year.
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  • (name changed) Kanchan Kumari Sharma, 12, sick with fever, is lying next to her mother, Malti Devi, 40, inside their home in Sersiya Kekrahi village, Varanasi District, Uttar Pradesh, India. In 2012, Kanchan went with a friend to bring lunch to her father, around 2 km away from her home. On the way they met Rajesh (rapist) and Ashok, a friend of his. Both girls were picked up on the spot using an excuse. Ashok drove Kanchan's friend home, but Rajesh forced Kanchan to travel with him during six days and for hundreds of kilometres across different states. (Mirzapur / Chennai / Itarsi / Bhusawal) He raped her once behind the station in Itarsi. With great effort and some coincidence, the uncle of Kanchan managed to bring her back home. Although she was scared, she insisted on going to the police to file a case (FIR). She was kept at the police station for 12 days and threatened to prevent her from filing an official case. Ashok and Rajesh are from higher caste and wealthy families. While Rajesh spent 24 days in jail initially in summer 2012, he is now a free man while the trial is still going on. Kanchan's family is now struggling to put together 30.000 Indian Rupees (500 USD) to continue battling for justice in court.
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  • (name changed) Kanchan Kumari Sharma, 12, is sitting insider her home in Sersiya Kekrahi village, Varanasi District, Uttar Pradesh, India. In 2012, Kanchan went with a friend to bring lunch to her father, around 2 km away from her home. On the way they met Rajesh (rapist) and Ashok, a friend of his. Both girls were picked up on the spot using an excuse. Ashok drove Kanchan's friend home, but Rajesh forced Kanchan to travel with him during six days and for hundreds of kilometres across different states. (Mirzapur / Chennai / Itarsi / Bhusawal) He raped her once behind the station in Itarsi. With great effort and some coincidence, the uncle of Kanchan managed to bring her back home. Although she was scared, she insisted on going to the police to file a case (FIR). She was kept at the police station for 12 days and threatened to prevent her from filing an official case. Ashok and Rajesh are from higher caste and wealthy families. While Rajesh spent 24 days in jail initially in summer 2012, he is now a free man while the trial is still going on. Kanchan's family is now struggling to put together 30.000 Indian Rupees (500 USD) to continue battling for justice in court.
    Sexual_Violence_India_04.JPG
  • Malti Devi, 40, a housewife and the mother of Kanchan Kumari Sharma, 12, (name changed)  is covering her head with a pink sari while standing in front of their home in Sersiya Kekrahi village, Varanasi District, Uttar Pradesh, India. In 2012, Kanchan went with a friend to bring lunch to her father, around 2 km away from her home. On the way they met Rajesh (rapist) and Ashok, a friend of his. Both girls were picked up on the spot using an excuse. Ashok drove Kanchan's friend home, but Rajesh forced Kanchan to travel with him during six days and for hundreds of kilometres across different states. (Mirzapur / Chennai / Itarsi / Bhusawal) He raped her once behind the station in Itarsi. With great effort and some coincidence, the uncle of Kanchan managed to bring her back home. Although she was scared, she insisted on going to the police to file a case (FIR). She was kept at the police station for 12 days and threatened to prevent her from filing an official case. Ashok and Rajesh are from higher caste and wealthy families. While Rajesh spent 24 days in jail initially in summer 2012, he is now a free man while the trial is still going on. Kanchan's family is now struggling to put together 30.000 Indian Rupees (500 USD) to continue battling for justice in court.
    Sexual_Violence_India_03.JPG
  • Romana, 28, (left) from Czech Republic, is gazing at her photo album while Daniela, 26, (right) from Romania is helping to pack up her belongings on Saturday, July 21, 2007, in Hampstead, London, England. Romana left the mansion with Lulu, 33, from Romania, her boyfriend, for a two-month holiday in Europe. The 22-room mansion was last sold for UK£ 3.9M in 2002 and is now awaiting planning permissions to be demolished. Two new houses will soon be taking its place. Million Dollar Squatters is a documentary project in the lives of a peculiar group of squatters residing in three multi-million mansions in one of the classiest residential neighbourhoods of London, Hampstead Garden. The squatters' enthusiasm, their constant efforts to look after what has become their home, their ingenuity and adventurous spirit have all inspired me throughout the days and nights spent at their side. Between the fantasy world of exclusive Britain and the reality of squatting in London, I have been a witness to their unique story. While more than 100.000 properties in London still lay empty to this day, squatting provides a valid, and lawful alternative to paying Europe's most expensive rent prices, as well as offering the challenge of an adventurous lifestyle in the capital.
    MillionDollarSquatters52.jpg
  • Mirela, 26, (right) from Romania, is worried about the eviction notice received the day before, for the Ingram Avenue mansion, while George, 26, is having a smoke sitting on the back of the room, on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2007, in Hampstead, London, England. The squatters will have to face Court and possibly face eviction within the next two of weeks. The 22-room mansion was last sold for UK£ 3.9M in 2002 and is now awaiting planning permissions to be demolished. Two new houses will soon be taking its place. Million Dollar Squatters is a documentary project in the lives of a peculiar group of squatters residing in three multi-million mansions in one of the classiest residential neighbourhoods of London, Hampstead Garden. The squatters' enthusiasm, their constant efforts to look after what has become their home, their ingenuity and adventurous spirit have all inspired me throughout the days and nights spent at their side. Between the fantasy world of exclusive Britain and the reality of squatting in London, I have been a witness to their unique story. While more than 100.000 properties in London still lay empty to this day, squatting provides a valid, and lawful alternative to paying Europe's most expensive rent prices, as well as offering the challenge of an adventurous lifestyle in the capital.
    MillionDollarSquatters48.JPG
  • Nozemi, 18, is playing with a flaming stick in the back of the Ingram Avenue mansion during a party on Saturday, Oct. 20, 2007, in Hampstead, London, England. The 22-room mansion was last sold for UK£ 3.9M in 2002 and is now awaiting planning permissions to be demolished. Two new houses will soon be taking its place. Million Dollar Squatters is a documentary project in the lives of a peculiar group of squatters residing in three multi-million mansions in one of the classiest residential neighbourhoods of London, Hampstead Garden. The squatters' enthusiasm, their constant efforts to look after what has become their home, their ingenuity and adventurous spirit have all inspired me throughout the days and nights spent at their side. Between the fantasy world of exclusive Britain and the reality of squatting in London, I have been a witness to their unique story. While more than 100.000 properties in London still lay empty to this day, squatting provides a valid, and lawful alternative to paying Europe's most expensive rent prices, as well as offering the challenge of an adventurous lifestyle in the capital.
    MillionDollarSquatters45.JPG
  • Lukats, 23, from Poland, (front), Kitty, 24, from Trinidad, (centre) and Josh, 25, from North London, (back) are playing on top of each others during a warm summer afternoon in the back garden of the Wildwood Road mansion on Saturday, Aug. 18, 2007, in Hampstead, London, England. Situated opposite Hampstead Heath, North London's green jewel the average price for properties on this road reaches £ 2,500,000. Million Dollar Squatters is a documentary project in the lives of a peculiar group of squatters residing in three multi-million mansions in one of the classiest residential neighbourhoods of London, Hampstead Garden. The squatters' enthusiasm, their constant efforts to look after what has become their home, their ingenuity and adventurous spirit have all inspired me throughout the days and nights spent at their side. Between the fantasy world of exclusive Britain and the reality of squatting in London, I have been a witness to their unique story. While more than 100.000 properties in London still lay empty to this day, squatting provides a valid, and lawful alternative to paying Europe's most expensive rent prices, as well as offering the challenge of an adventurous lifestyle in the capital.
    MillionDollarSquatters43.jpg
  • (from left to right) Lulu, 33, from Romania, Johnny, 29, from Croatia, Zil, 23, from Poland, and Calin, 30, from Romania, are staring at Johnny's computer while he is playing some music in his room, inside the Wildwood Road mansion on Sunday, July 22, 2007, in Hampstead, London, England. Situated opposite Hampstead Heath, North London's green jewel the average price for properties on this road reaches £ 2,500,000. Million Dollar Squatters is a documentary project in the lives of a peculiar group of squatters residing in three multi-million mansions in one of the classiest residential neighbourhoods of London, Hampstead Garden. The squatters' enthusiasm, their constant efforts to look after what has become their home, their ingenuity and adventurous spirit have all inspired me throughout the days and nights spent at their side. Between the fantasy world of exclusive Britain and the reality of squatting in London, I have been a witness to their unique story. While more than 100.000 properties in London still lay empty to this day, squatting provides a valid, and lawful alternative to paying Europe's most expensive rent prices, as well as offering the challenge of an adventurous lifestyle in the capital.
    MillionDollarSquatters34.JPG
  • Josh, 25, from North London, is at the phone talking excitedly to some friend after having just moved in his new room inside the just entered Winningon Road mansion on Friday, Oct. 19, 2007 in Hampstead, London, England. The dream residence, 89 Winnington Road, was former Indonesian President Haji Mohamed Suharto's top London mansion and was sold in 1999 for UK£ 9.5M when he was being investigated in his home country in regards to his fortune and extravagant lifestyle. Million Dollar Squatters is a documentary project in the lives of a peculiar group of squatters residing in three multi-million mansions in one of the classiest residential neighbourhoods of London, Hampstead Garden. The squatters' enthusiasm, their constant efforts to look after what has become their home, their ingenuity and adventurous spirit have all inspired me throughout the days and nights spent at their side. Between the fantasy world of exclusive Britain and the reality of squatting in London, I have been a witness to their unique story. While more than 100.000 properties in London still lay empty to this day, squatting provides a valid, and lawful alternative to paying Europe's most expensive rent prices, as well as offering the challenge of an adventurous lifestyle in the capital.
    MillionDollarSquatters13.JPG
  • Ash, 18, from North London, is moving a mattress in his new room inside the just entered Winningon Road mansion on Saturday, Oct. 20, 2007 in Hampstead, London, England. The dream residence, 89 Winnington Road, was former Indonesian President Haji Mohamed Suharto's top London mansion and was sold in 1999 for UK£ 9.5M when he was being investigated in his home country in regards to his fortune and extravagant lifestyle. Million Dollar Squatters is a documentary project in the lives of a peculiar group of squatters residing in three multi-million mansions in one of the classiest residential neighbourhoods of London, Hampstead Garden. The squatters' enthusiasm, their constant efforts to look after what has become their home, their ingenuity and adventurous spirit have all inspired me throughout the days and nights spent at their side. Between the fantasy world of exclusive Britain and the reality of squatting in London, I have been a witness to their unique story. While more than 100.000 properties in London still lay empty to this day, squatting provides a valid, and lawful alternative to paying Europe's most expensive rent prices, as well as offering the challenge of an adventurous lifestyle in the capital.
    MillionDollarSquatters12.JPG
  • Zil, 23, from Poland, is joyful after the discovery of a vinyl player still working after having just entered a mansion on Wildwood Road, on Friday, 16 June, 2007, in Hampstead, London, England. Situated opposite Hampstead Heath, North London's green jewel the average price for properties on this road reaches £ 2,500,000. Million Dollar Squatters is a documentary project in the lives of a peculiar group of squatters residing in three multi-million mansions in one of the classiest residential neighbourhoods of London, Hampstead Garden. The squatters' enthusiasm, their constant efforts to look after what has become their home, their ingenuity and adventurous spirit have all inspired me throughout the days and nights spent at their side. Between the fantasy world of exclusive Britain and the reality of squatting in London, I have been a witness to their unique story. While more than 100.000 properties in London still lay empty to this day, squatting provides a valid, and lawful alternative to paying Europe's most expensive rent prices, as well as offering the challenge of an adventurous lifestyle in the capital.
    MillionDollarSquatters06.JPG
  • Lee, 26, (right) from West London, is awaiting late night before going out with Pete, 23, (left) from Lincolnshire, to look for a new mansion to squat on Tuesday, Oct. 16, 2007 in Hampstead, London, England. Their house, 24 Ingram Avenue, Hampstead, is being repossessed by the owner in a few days and they need a new place to live in. The 22-room mansion was last sold for UK£ 3.9M in 2002 and is now awaiting planning permissions to be demolished. Two new houses will soon be taking its place. Million Dollar Squatters is a documentary project in the lives of a peculiar group of squatters residing in three multi-million mansions in one of the classiest residential neighbourhoods of London, Hampstead Garden. The squatters' enthusiasm, their constant efforts to look after what has become their home, their ingenuity and adventurous spirit have all inspired me throughout the days and nights spent at their side. Between the fantasy world of exclusive Britain and the reality of squatting in London, I have been a witness to their unique story. While more than 100.000 properties in London still lay empty to this day, squatting provides a valid, and lawful alternative to paying Europe's most expensive rent prices, as well as offering the challenge of an adventurous lifestyle in the capital.
    MillionDollarSquatters02.JPG
  • The young nephew of Dr Lenin Raghuvanshi is standing near a Welcome sigh inside the PVCHR headquarters in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India. Lenin's grandfather was a freedom fighter in India's fight against the British. His father was a communist, so he names all of his children after famous communists: Mao, Che Guevara, Stalin, Lenin and Raul. Lenin used to be a doctor in Ayurveda and modern medicine but quit because of the inherent corruption he witnessed. He founded PVCHR in 1996. The charity organises workshops, supports victims during trial and with the police, and promotes education and gender equality.
    Sexual_Violence_India_44.JPG
  • (name changed) Kanchan Kumari Sharma, 12, is standing by the entrance of her home in Sersiya Kekrahi village, Varanasi District, Uttar Pradesh, India. In 2012, Kanchan went with a friend to bring lunch to her father, around 2 km away from her home. On the way they met Rajesh (rapist) and Ashok, a friend of his. Both girls were picked up on the spot using an excuse. Ashok drove Kanchan's friend home, but Rajesh forced Kanchan to travel with him during six days and for hundreds of kilometres across different states. (Mirzapur / Chennai / Itarsi / Bhusawal) He raped her once behind the station in Itarsi. With great effort and some coincidence, the uncle of Kanchan managed to bring her back home. Although she was scared, she insisted on going to the police to file a case (FIR). She was kept at the police station for 12 days and threatened to prevent her from filing an official case. Ashok and Rajesh are from higher caste and wealthy families. While Rajesh spent 24 days in jail initially in summer 2012, he is now a free man while the trial is still going on. Kanchan's family is now struggling to put together 30.000 Indian Rupees (500 USD) to continue battling for justice in court.
    Sexual_Violence_India_31.JPG
  • Children are taking part to an awareness workshop organised by Neeta Shani, from the charity PVCHR, in Parmandapur, a rural area near Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.
    Sexual_Violence_India_19.JPG
  • Pete, 23, from Lincolnshire is portrayed after a night-long party at the Ingram Avenue mansion on Sunday, Sep. 30, 2007, in Hampstead, London, England. The 22-room mansion was last sold for UK£ 3.9M in 2002 and is now awaiting planning permissions to be demolished. Two new houses will soon be taking its place. Million Dollar Squatters is a documentary project in the lives of a peculiar group of squatters residing in three multi-million mansions in one of the classiest residential neighbourhoods of London, Hampstead Garden. The squatters' enthusiasm, their constant efforts to look after what has become their home, their ingenuity and adventurous spirit have all inspired me throughout the days and nights spent at their side. Between the fantasy world of exclusive Britain and the reality of squatting in London, I have been a witness to their unique story. While more than 100.000 properties in London still lay empty to this day, squatting provides a valid, and lawful alternative to paying Europe's most expensive rent prices, as well as offering the challenge of an adventurous lifestyle in the capital.
    MillionDollarSquatters46.JPG
  • Pete, 23, from Lincolnshire, is smelling marijuana plants in the back garden of the Ingram Avenue mansion, on Saturday, Sep. 22, 2007, in Hampstead, London, England. The 22-room mansion was last sold for UK£ 3.9M in 2002 and is now awaiting planning permissions to be demolished. Two new houses will soon be taking its place. Million Dollar Squatters is a documentary project in the lives of a peculiar group of squatters residing in three multi-million mansions in one of the classiest residential neighbourhoods of London, Hampstead Garden. The squatters' enthusiasm, their constant efforts to look after what has become their home, their ingenuity and adventurous spirit have all inspired me throughout the days and nights spent at their side. Between the fantasy world of exclusive Britain and the reality of squatting in London, I have been a witness to their unique story. While more than 100.000 properties in London still lay empty to this day, squatting provides a valid, and lawful alternative to paying Europe's most expensive rent prices, as well as offering the challenge of an adventurous lifestyle in the capital.
    MillionDollarSquatters30.JPG
  • Robert, 25, (left) from Poland is fixing the floor of his room in the Ingram Avenue mansion on Saturday, Sep. 22, 2007, in Hampstead, London, England. The 22-room mansion was last sold for UK£ 3.9M in 2002 and is now awaiting planning permissions to be demolished. Two new houses will soon be taking its place. Million Dollar Squatters is a documentary project in the lives of a peculiar group of squatters residing in three multi-million mansions in one of the classiest residential neighbourhoods of London, Hampstead Garden. The squatters' enthusiasm, their constant efforts to look after what has become their home, their ingenuity and adventurous spirit have all inspired me throughout the days and nights spent at their side. Between the fantasy world of exclusive Britain and the reality of squatting in London, I have been a witness to their unique story. While more than 100.000 properties in London still lay empty to this day, squatting provides a valid, and lawful alternative to paying Europe's most expensive rent prices, as well as offering the challenge of an adventurous lifestyle in the capital.
    MillionDollarSquatters20.jpg
  • Zil, 23, from Poland, is having a sandwich in the kitchen of the Wildwood Road mansion while notes have being written on a board behind his back on how to deal with various issues concerning the newly entered house, on Thursday, June 28, 2007, in Hampstead, London, England. Situated opposite Hampstead Heath, North London's green jewel the average price for properties on this road reaches £ 2,500,000. Million Dollar Squatters is a documentary project in the lives of a peculiar group of squatters residing in three multi-million mansions in one of the classiest residential neighbourhoods of London, Hampstead Garden. The squatters' enthusiasm, their constant efforts to look after what has become their home, their ingenuity and adventurous spirit have all inspired me throughout the days and nights spent at their side. Between the fantasy world of exclusive Britain and the reality of squatting in London, I have been a witness to their unique story. While more than 100.000 properties in London still lay empty to this day, squatting provides a valid, and lawful alternative to paying Europe's most expensive rent prices, as well as offering the challenge of an adventurous lifestyle in the capital.
    MillionDollarSquatters17.JPG
  • PVCHR activist Mangla Parsad, 34, is talking to villagers in Rajbhar village, around 20 kilometres from Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.
    Sexual_Violence_India_39.JPG
  • Neeta Shani, (centre) is speaking at an awareness workshop or youngsters organised by the charity PVCHR, in Parmandapur, a rural area near Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.
    Sexual_Violence_India_30.JPG
  • Kanchan Kumari Sharma, 12, (centre) is taking care of her young niece, while sitting next to her father, Raja Kumar Sharma, 45, (left) inside their home in Sersiya Kekrahi village, Varanasi District, Uttar Pradesh, India. In 2012, Kanchan went with a friend to bring lunch to her father, around 2 km away from her home. On the way they met Rajesh (rapist) and Ashok, a friend of his. Both girls were picked up on the spot using an excuse. Ashok drove Kanchan's friend home, but Rajesh forced Kanchan to travel with him during six days and for hundreds of kilometres across different states. (Mirzapur / Chennai / Itarsi / Bhusawal) He raped her once behind the station in Itarsi. With great effort and some coincidence, the uncle of Kanchan managed to bring her back home. Although she was scared, she insisted on going to the police to file a case (FIR). She was kept at the police station for 12 days and threatened to prevent her from filing an official case. Ashok and Rajesh are from higher caste and wealthy families. While Rajesh spent 24 days in jail initially in summer 2012, he is now a free man while the trial is still going on. Kanchan's family is now struggling to put together 30.000 Indian Rupees (500 USD) to continue battling for justice in court.
    Sexual_Violence_India_22.JPG
  • Crystal Meth (aka 'tik'), an highly addictive chemical drug commonly used in impoverished neighbourhoods in the Western Cape, RSA. Meth is becoming increasingly popular amongst schoolchildren and it is not difficult to find kids as young as 12 with addiction. Statistics say that over a six month period, 94% of Meth users become addicted to it. Meth gives psychotic effects such as seeing or hearing things that are not there, and it is incline to induce violent behaviour. Meth is common between gang members, it is ideal to prepare a gun-man to hit, removing inhibitions, sharpening senses and fuelling aggression. It is easily smoked in pipes or bulbs, and it does not require a laboratory to be produced: in fact, having the right substances, it can be made even in a kitchen. High availability together with the really cheap price of 30-40 Rands per straw ( about 3-4 UK pounds) is helping to increase the abuse of this dangerous substance. Dealing Meth is also a very lucrative business which can turn a 2000 Rands (200 UK pounds) investment into 5000 Rands (500 UK pounds) in a short time. Tolerance develops quickly and higher doses are soon needed to obtain the same effect on the body. Chronic abuse can lead to out-of-control rages, violence, anxiety, confusion and mood disturbances. Meth affects many parts of the central neurous system and if prolonged it does not only affects behaviour but literally changes the brain in fundamental and longstanding ways.
    Marvin_Gangster_Redemption_09.JPG
  • Youngsters on the streets of the impoverished neighbourhood of Heideveld, Cape Town, RSA. Here showing Marijuana worth 50 Rands (about 50 pence). With extremely high rates of unemployment, poor resources and too little authority control, ghettos as Heideveld are the best places for gangs to grow in activity and businesses. Targeting mostly young people from their area to carry on the ?dirty job?, gangs in the Western Cape, and South Africa are an endemic problem in continuous increase in the years after the radical apartheid governmental system. ?Coloured? communities have lost almost all their help from a government that now is concentrated on empowering black communities instead. Segregated into ghettos and without state grants or development activities, people in these community are sometimes forced to join a gang or dealing drugs also to provide for their own family. Young gangster are also used for the worst crimes by the fact that, being still under 18 years old, they would face shorter sentences if caught. Drug abuse between kids as young as 12 is not uncommon, especially crystal meth, mandrax and marijuana.
    Marvin_Gangster_Redemption_06.JPG
  • A dealer is making portions of Crystal Meth (aka 'tik'), an highly addictive chemical drug commonly used in impoverished neighbourhoods in the Western Cape, RSA. Serc, 26 years old, and member of a gang in Heideveld, was shot twice in front of his house by rival gangsters. He has a wife, awaiting a third child, and two young children; with the growing unemployment in the area it has been impossible for him to provide for his family, joined a gang and started selling drugs. He is the 'main guy' in the neighbourhood and people go to him if they have a problem. "If I could find a reasonable job I would definitely quit, I know all this is not good, and it is harming our very community, but now I have to go on, I have no alternative" he says. Meth is becoming increasingly popular amongst schoolchildren and it is not difficult to find kids as young as 12 with addiction. Statistics say that over a six-month period, 94% of Meth users become addicted to it. Meth gives psychotic effects such as seeing or hearing things that are not there, and it is incline to induce violent behaviour. Meth is common between gang members, it is ideal to prepare a gun-man to hit, removing inhibitions, sharpening senses and fuelling aggression. It is easily smoked in pipes or bulbs, and it does not require a laboratory to be produced: in fact, having the right substances, it can be made even in a kitchen. High availability together with the really cheap price of 30-40 Rands per straw ( about 3-4 UK pounds) is helping to increase the abuse of this dangerous substance. Dealing Meth is also a very lucrative business which can turn a 2000 Rands (200 UK pounds) investment into 5000 Rands (500 UK pounds) in a short time. Tolerance develops quickly and higher doses are soon needed to obtain the same effect on the body.
    Marvin_Gangster_Redemption_10.JPG
  • Guards are lining up for lunch at the deli bar inside the luxurious Halden Fengsel, (prison) near Oslo, Norway.
    Halden_Luxury_Prison_Norway_027.JPG
  • Elisabeth, 62, a woman living in the area of Heideveld, Cape Town, RSA, since about 40 years is scared to go out even during the day because of street gun-fight. She runs a little vegetable shop with her husband, Thomas, 64, in their house. She is portrayed while behind the gate of her house in Heideveld. They acknowledge the fact that thanks to the large police station not far from their house thing are slowly getting better, but also that law enforcement is probably not the right long-term way to curb crime, gangs and drug addiction. They favour development and education for the kids but till now the government of South Africa has promoted a effectual policy towards the area of Heideveld. Police incapacity to control the gang problem has also led to the increase of vigilante groups activity, people that feeling threatened to live in their own community has engaged a fight to the gangs on their own, often creating more hatred and dissent. With extremely high rates of unemployment, poor resources and too little authority control, ghettos as Heideveld are the best places for gangs to grow in activity and businesses. Targeting mostly young people from their area to carry on the 'dirty job', gangs in the Western Cape, and South Africa are an endemic problem in continuous increase in the years after the radical apartheid governmental system. 'Coloured' communities have lost almost all their help from a government that now is concentrated on empowering black communities instead. Segregated into ghettos and without state grants or development activities, people in these community are sometimes forced to join a gang or dealing drugs also to provide for their own family.
    Marvin_Gangster_Redemption_17.JPG
  • Inmates are taking part to a stretching session with their female trainer during the time they regularly spend carrying out physical exercise and learning about the human body inside the luxurious Halden Fengsel, (prison) near Oslo, Norway.
    Halden_Luxury_Prison_Norway_049.JPG
  • Inmates are practicing instruments in the professional recording studio where they regularly play as a band, built inside the luxurious Halden Fengsel, (prison) near Oslo, Norway.
    Halden_Luxury_Prison_Norway_047.JPG
  • A sniffer dog is waiting for orders to begin walking through bags owned by new arrivals at the luxurious Halden Fengsel, (prison) near Oslo, Norway.
    Halden_Luxury_Prison_Norway_042.JPG
  • A Christian inmate is praying while sitting inside an area of the prison built purposely for prisoners wanting to express their faith inside the luxurious Halden Fengsel, (prison) near Oslo, Norway.
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  • Inmates are smoking a cigarette in one of the open areas of the luxurious Halden Fengsel, (prison) near Oslo, Norway.
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  • The medical personnel is preparing medicinal doses used by a number of inmates under treatment inside the luxurious Halden Fengsel, (prison) near Oslo, Norway.
    Halden_Luxury_Prison_Norway_033.JPG
  • An inmate is brushing his teeth in the bathroom inside one of the single-person prison cells build with various amenities in the luxurious Halden Fengsel, (prison) near Oslo, Norway.
    Halden_Luxury_Prison_Norway_029.JPG
  • Guards are eating and chatting in the lunch room of the luxurious Halden Fengsel, (prison) near Oslo, Norway.
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  • A guard (right) is enjoying time with an inmate during a welding workshop carried out inside the luxurious Halden Fengsel, (prison) near Oslo, Norway.
    Halden_Luxury_Prison_Norway_024.JPG
  • Inmates are taking part to a climbing session during the time they regularly spend carrying out physical exercise and learning about the human body inside the luxurious Halden Fengsel, (prison) near Oslo, Norway.
    Halden_Luxury_Prison_Norway_008.JPG
  • A sniffer dog has just identified a bag of a new inmate to be suspicious and is calling for attention in the luxurious Halden Fengsel, (prison) near Oslo, Norway.
    Halden_Luxury_Prison_Norway_003.JPG
  • A pill of Mandrax (methaqualone). Initially marketed as a sedative or sleeping tablet by the French pharmaceutical giant Roussell Laboratories, it turned out to be highly addictive and banned in 1977. Sold illegally in South Africa, it is smoked in conjunction with Marijuana and it is the most widely used drug in the Western Cape, sold at about 30 Rands (about 3 UK pounds) per tablet. It is crushed and smoked in pipes or bottlenecks. It makes the user feel relaxed, clam and peaceful and everything looks perfect, while turning aggressive when the effect is wearing off. It requires increased usage in order to achieve the same effects and depression feelings are not uncommon with use. According to the Cape Town Drug Counselling Centre (CTDCC) it is a really difficult habit to break in impoverished communities where young unemployed are left on their own with no government help or other activities apart from crime and gansgterism. Social injustice, weakened family links and a feeling of 'not-belonging' are also causes of problems upon the 'coloured' communities in South Africa.
    Marvin_Gangster_Redemption_05.JPG
  • An inmate is taking part to a climbing session during the time regularly spent carrying out physical exercise and learning about the human body inside the luxurious Halden Fengsel, (prison) near Oslo, Norway.
    Halden_Luxury_Prison_Norway_048.JPG
  • Inmates are practicing instruments in the professional recording studio where they regularly play as a band, built inside the luxurious Halden Fengsel, (prison) near Oslo, Norway.
    Halden_Luxury_Prison_Norway_020.jpg
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