Guantanamo Hunger Strike: Call on UK to save lives
amnesty: Amnesty International and Reprieve have called on the UK government to urgently intervene to help prevent unnecessary loss of life from the ongoing hunger strike at the US detention centre at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
There are at least six UK residents among an estimated 210 of the camp's 500 detainees currently on hunger strike in protest at their continuing detention without charge or trial at the military prison.
Amnesty International and Reprieve have today written to Tony Blair seeking assurances that the government will make an immediate assessment of the number of British residents on hunger strike, ascertain the gravity of their medical condition, and obtain from the US authorities a guarantee that an independent body is given access to all UK residents on hunger strike.
Amnesty International UK Director Kate Allen said:
"Reports emerging from the camp concerning the treatment of hunger strikers are disturbing and just underline the need for an immediate resolution of Guantanamo Bay.
"The camp is still closed to Amnesty International and the secrecy surrounding Guantanamo makes the hunger strike a frightening phenomenon. We just donÂt know what is happening, to whom and with what degree of consent?
"While those on hunger strike have made a personal decision it is notable that their demands - for a fair trial and legal representation - are precisely those required under international law.
"We need to see the UK government intervening to prevent deaths and injuries and to see that all detainees - including at least six UK residents on hunger strike - are either properly tried or immediately released in accordance with international human rights law. Read more
db: Did the voices inside his head [aka G.O.D] tell the mentally ill George W Bush to deprive the Guantanamo captives of their rights under international law? Did they tell him he must have them shackled and force-fed like animals destined for slaughter? I am not expecting TonyBlair to intervene - why would he?
There are at least six UK residents among an estimated 210 of the camp's 500 detainees currently on hunger strike in protest at their continuing detention without charge or trial at the military prison.
Amnesty International and Reprieve have today written to Tony Blair seeking assurances that the government will make an immediate assessment of the number of British residents on hunger strike, ascertain the gravity of their medical condition, and obtain from the US authorities a guarantee that an independent body is given access to all UK residents on hunger strike.
Amnesty International UK Director Kate Allen said:
"Reports emerging from the camp concerning the treatment of hunger strikers are disturbing and just underline the need for an immediate resolution of Guantanamo Bay.
"The camp is still closed to Amnesty International and the secrecy surrounding Guantanamo makes the hunger strike a frightening phenomenon. We just donÂt know what is happening, to whom and with what degree of consent?
"While those on hunger strike have made a personal decision it is notable that their demands - for a fair trial and legal representation - are precisely those required under international law.
"We need to see the UK government intervening to prevent deaths and injuries and to see that all detainees - including at least six UK residents on hunger strike - are either properly tried or immediately released in accordance with international human rights law. Read more
db: Did the voices inside his head [aka G.O.D] tell the mentally ill George W Bush to deprive the Guantanamo captives of their rights under international law? Did they tell him he must have them shackled and force-fed like animals destined for slaughter? I am not expecting TonyBlair to intervene - why would he?
posted by exoplanet at 6:43 PM
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