Mandela Spends Quiet Christmas in Jail

Jailed black leader Nelson Mandela, whose 28th Christmas behind bars will almost certainly be his last in custody, opened presents and had a quiet dinner with his family Monday.

Mandela’s wife, Winnie, their daughter, Zindzi, and her three young children spent most of the day at the comfortable three-bedroom home where Mandela, 71, is held at the Victor Verster Prison outside Cape Town.

“He would have loved to spend Christmas at home with us,” said Mrs. Mandela, who had tears in her eyes when she spoke to reporters afterward.

“He regrets to advise that he has no new information whatsoever about his release,” she added.