South Africa; reportage Robben Island; prison island in the Table Bay in the Atlantic; 12 km from Cape Town and 6.9 km from the coast: also known as the exiled island.High-security prison for political prisoners; before the dissolution of political prisoners; 1991.From 1939 Robben Island served as a military base; during the Second World War; the island was built by the English to a fortress. In 1961 it became a prison island again. South Africa interned in the period of apartheid mainly political prisoners; but also criminals. In 1991; the high-security prison for political prisoners was dissolved; and in 1996 the section for ordinary criminals. Since the beginning of 1997 Robben Island has been open for visits.Released prisoner. Photo; 1991.