John Strand, a former prisoner convicted for his involvement in the January 6 Capitol protests, has been released following a Supreme Court decision. Strand, who had been sentenced to 32 months largely for obstructing an official proceeding, described his year in prison as “hell on earth.”

Strand’s release on July 24 from the Federal Correctional Institution in Oakdale, Louisiana, came after the Supreme Court’s June 28 ruling in Fischer v. United States. This decision limited the use of a corporate fraud statute against January 6 protesters. Strand expressed his gratitude to God and others who supported him, saying, “I learned a lot, and God did a lot of great things.”

Strand’s imprisonment began in 2023 and involved harsh conditions, including solitary confinement. He recounted being isolated for four months, an experience he compared to waterboarding. “I was viciously abused in an isolation environment for about four straight months,” he told Blaze News.

The Supreme Court ruled that U.S. Code 18 §1512(c)(2), which carries up to 20 years in prison, applies only if defendants impaired or attempted to impair the integrity of records or documents used in an official proceeding. This ruling was favorable for Strand, whose trial judge had already determined there was no evidence he committed such acts on January 6.

Strand’s journey began during the COVID-19 lockdowns, leading to his participation in the January 6 protest and subsequent legal battles. He appealed his case to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, which is still pending.

While in prison, Strand relied heavily on his faith. “I’m a man of faith, and my relationship with God is the only reason I even started on this journey,” he said. He also faced severe isolation, being cut off from contact with his attorneys and family.

Strand was placed in solitary confinement twice in 2023, with the second instance occurring after U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) spoke publicly about his treatment. Strand described the isolation as mentally and physically grueling, noting, “The mind turning in on itself happens faster than you think.”

Dr. Simone Gold, founder of America’s Frontline Doctors and a supporter of Strand, highlighted the severity of his isolation in the Miami prison. Despite numerous attempts, attorneys, including Gold herself, were unable to communicate with Strand during his isolation.

Strand plans to share his experiences in a forthcoming book titled “Patriot Plea,” detailing the challenges and abuses he faced during his incarceration.