I think it would be mis-leading to specify what his crime was. If he had, it might be interpreted as trying to say that he didn't deserve to be treated the way

I think it would be mis-leading to specify what his crime was. If he had, it might be interpreted as trying to say that he didn't deserve to be treated the way he was treated simply because his crime was relatively minor. In fact, I think the point he is trying to make is it doesn't matter what crime you committed in the past - no one should have to endure the conditions he experienced.