Hunger Strike Solidarity Fast: Day 5

From the Archive

Guantánamo prisoner hunger strike day 50

The Witness Against Torture fasters’ phone call took place tonight, with people calling in from Boston, Chicago, D.C., New York, North Carolina, and West Virginia. It was a joyful, strengthening time together, but nonetheless one theme that arose was a sense of worry – dread that after fifty days and no signs of a willingness to negotiate by the military, the hunger strike does not have an end in sight.

Many fasters reflected on their lack of energy, feeling cold, feeling the challenge of completing daily tasks, and how much they needed the support of others. And yet, continuing from day four to day five of the fast is so minor compared to what it must take for the prisoners to continue from day forty-nine to day fifty. Chris K. shared, “I do feel worried; but also I really admire and feel moved by the resistance that is being practiced by the prisoners in Guantanamo, and I’m reflecting on that as I go through the day.”

While the Red Cross has arrived at the prison, any report they prepare will only be shared internally with the military. There are now allegations from some attorneys that water is being denied to some in an effort to break the hunger strike.

May all of us participating in the fast, and all people of good will around the world who are inspired by the hunger strikers’ peaceful protest, send them a wave of love and strength.

Peace.

Our friend Tom Wilner has an excellent editorial in the Washington Post: Get serious about closing Guantanamo — Washington Post

And a leaflet to use at vigils is available to download here.

Photos from Guantanamo Hunger Strike Emergency Response Vigils

SUBJECT: Peaceful Protest

A statement by Shaker Aamer on the hunger strike he conducted in 2011.

July 15, 2011

From GTMO detainee to his lawyer.

I the signatory below, in Camp 5E announce the start of a peaceful protest/hunger strike for the reasons enumerated below:

1. The opening and continuing operation of this unjust detention facility for the ninth year of my continuing and indefinite detention in the absence of any real accusation or crimes committed. Therefore I am hostage.

2. The inhumane treatment and deprivation of some of the items we are truly in need of, most important of which are the family calls since they are most critical to our families, especially to those experiencing special circumstances. Therefore, I want these calls to take place on a continuing basis and recur once every 15 days. These family calls ought to last no less than 2 hours with further consideration given to those experiencing special circumstances. I also speak for the regular mail to be made more efficient and provide us with e-mail.

3. The inhumane treatment is taking place at the hospital among other areas especially affecting the sick and those who are on strike and our deprivation of real treatment, health diet and appropriate clothing which are not provided to us nor are we allowed to provide them for ourselves.

4. Not upholding the promise that both your president and government gave on 01/21/2009 concerning the closing of Guantánamo detention facility. Very few people have left ever since although many here have been deemed to not represent any danger for the United States. Therefore, I ask you to establish justice and remove the injustice that has befallen us and our brothers in all detention centers.

By submitting these demands, I affirm our right to life. We want our freedom and the right to return to our homes since I am innocent of the charges (if there were any) you have levied against us. I ask that you establish justice that you claim to be a foundation of your country.

After these years of hardship we have spent here — and which I managed to do only through the grace of God, otherwise I would have lost my sanity — I want you to consider my case as soon as possible and give me the right to a just and public trial or set me free without conditions.

Shaker Aamer (00239)

Regional Updates

Chicago

Chris Knestrick & Marie Shebeck

There were twenty people in front of Obama’s house Sunday — the vigil was great and powerful. Tuesday we vigiled and flyered with the Eighth Day Center for Justice. Tomorrow we’re joining walk for justice around downtown Chicago, wearing jumpsuits, being a presence and flyering. Our week will close with a rally downtown on Saturday, with letter-writing, speakers, and a silent procession.

Some of the students at my (Chris’s) school have taken on days to fast, and they have a rolling fast going. Folks continue to participate in letter writing and making phone calls as well.

New York

Matt Daloisio

There are a number of people fasting in NY and we’ve been vigiling every day in Union Square or Times Square. Today nine people made signs saying, “I died waiting,” each of them with the name of one of the men who has died at Guantánamo. We stood in front of the military recruiting station for an hour, then moved to the bleachers and reviewing stand set up at the north end of Times Square. Nine risked arrest, taking over the middle of the reviewing stand and holding the space for an hour while a few hundred people looked on.

Western Massachusetts

Paki Wieland

We are engaged in the fast in solidarity with our brothers in Guantanamo during this Holy Week.

Tuesday, Jeff Napolitano & I joined the Northampton people of God in their weekly prayer vigil. They meet on Tuesdays to counter the president’s meeting to plan the week’s kill list. Our gathering was the sign of our love for one another which extends to Washington, Guantanamo, Pakistan and everywhere there are the suffering.

Fasting alone (mostly), I am so happy to have the time to pray & meditate, quiet reflections, which are curtailed when we gather for actions and fasting in January. I am hungry, and not just for justice; the awareness of this hunger leads me to deeply consider the men’s decision to go on “Hunger Strike!”

We have more opportunities to witness planned for Good Friday, will send pictures and a follow-up.

Blessings on us all.