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LGC Press Release: London Guantánamo Campaign to hold demonstration on eighth anniversary of Guantánamo Bay – Monday 11 January, 12.30pm, outside US Embassy, London
The London Guantánamo Campaign will hold a demonstration outside the US Embassy in Grosvenor Square, Mayfair, London, W1A 1AE, at 12.30-2pm on Monday 11 January 2010, to mark the eighth anniversary of the opening of the Guantánamo Bay detention camp on 11 January 2002.
The demonstration will call on the US administration to close down the Guantánamo Bay detention camp as soon as possible and ensure justice for all the prisoners held there.
At 12.30pm, bound demonstrators in orange jumpsuits and black hoods will hold a vigil outside the US Embassy calling for liberty and justice.
Speeches will be given between 1 and 2pm. Speakers include: Jean Lambert (Green MEP), Lindsey German (Stop The War Coalition), Chloe Davies (Reprieve), Andy Worthington (journalist), Yvonne Ridley (journalist), Joy Hurcombe (Brighton Against Guantánamo), John Clossick (Save Shaker Aamer Campaign), Nicki Jameson (Fight Racism! Fight Imperialism!) and Maria Gallestegui (Peace Strike).
DEMANDS
The London Guantánamo Campaign calls on the American administration to close down the detention facility at Guantánamo Bay as soon as possible. The administration will inevitably miss the 22 January deadline it set itself almost a year ago but must not use this failure as an excuse to delay further. The transfer of prisoners to other similar facilities on the US mainland or elsewhere is not a viable solution; it merely extends the eight-year regime of arbitrary detention without charge or trial.
The US administration must ensure justice for prisoners, by either charging those it can lawfully bring charges against or releasing them. The vast majority of prisoners do not and have never faced charges. Prisoners must be sent to countries where their safety and liberty will be guaranteed.
The US must also close down other illegal prisons around the world, such as the currently-expanding Bagram Air Base and end its practice of extraordinary rendition, involving the kidnap and torture of alleged suspects.
We call on the British government to play its part in the closure of Guantánamo Bay by stepping up its efforts at the highest levels to ensure the return of British resident Shaker Aamer to the UK. The UK sought his release in August 2007 along with that of four other men who have since returned. Mr. Aamer has a British family, including a seven year old son he has never met. He has never been charged. The UK must also seek the release of Algerian asylum seeker Ahmed Belbacha, who lived in Bournemouth, on humanitarian grounds.
Aisha Maniar, from the London Guantánamo Campaign, says, “Over the past year, Obama’s administration has wasted opportunities to close Guantánamo Bay and break with the legacy of his predecessor, choosing instead to perpetuate the regime of arbitrary detention, torture and lawlessness. Although some positive actions have been taken, the failure to align US policy with recognised international law norms is unfortunate. In the past eight years, the existence of Guantánamo Bay and other similar illegal prisons has not made the world a safer place. The US must ensure justice and due process for all prisoners and freedom for the innocent”.
NOTE TO EDITORS
The London Guantánamo Campaign campaigns for justice for all prisoners at Guantánamo bay, for the closure of this and other secret prisons, and an end to the practice of extraordinary rendition.
There are currently just under 200 prisoners held at Guantánamo Bay, including two British residents. Approximately 50 prisoners are due for release once suitable countries are found to accommodate them. Around two dozen prisoners are likely to face trial in the US mainland. Concerns have been expressed as to the likelihood of any prisoners receiving a fair trial after eight years of arbitrary detention and the likelihood of much of the evidence being tainted by torture and other illegal methods of obtaining it.
Contact:
Aisha - 07809 757 176
Christine – 07737 783 159 |
London Campaign 
