From the Archive

Hunger Strike Solidarity Fast: Day 7

***As the Guantanamo Hunger Strike enters it’s 53rd day, we are committed to continuing a “rolling fast” in solidarity***

Before sharing some final reflections on these last seven days fasting together with one another, and in solidarity with those on hunger strike in Guantanamo, we have an important invitation for you to consider.  The Military now counts 37 prisoners on hunger strike, 11 being force fed, and three hospitalized.  When we began this fast the Military count was 21.  Attorneys continue to insist, based on conversations with and visits to their clients, that the real number is over 100.

While the 7 day fast is ending – after generating powerful vigils and visuals, over 500 letters to the prisoners, 100s of phone calls, many press interviews, and a growth in numbers and commitment within our community – we feel compelled to continue a form of fasting in solidarity with those on hunger strike.   Witness Against Torture will be coordinating a “rolling fast” for the duration of the hunger strike.  We are asking individuals to sign up to take a day – from midnight to midnight – when you will fast, make three phone calls, and write one letter.  From the group of over 100 people who participated in some form in the 7 day fast, we are hoping to have all the days of April covered before extending the invitation to participate to the larger community.  PLEASE E-MAIL witnesstorture@gmail.com to sign up for a day between April 1 and May 1.  More details will be available by Monday evening, and more details on next steps, including a possible national day of action, will be coming soon.

It’s been good to be in community with you all this week.  And even better to continue this work together.

Fasting and going forward

When I ate tonight, my body seemed to lose its open, expectant future orientation; its focus is now closed in on the fullness it feels in the present.  As we walk through the passageway of this week into the next, it is clear that our spirits will go beyond our bodies, to continue waiting, hoping, and praying for some piece of good news out of Guantanamo.  We stay open to the hope for some humanity on the part of those who hold the power, some recognition of the ground-down, defiant dignity of our brothers in chains.  — Chrissy

Links for further reading

Hungering for justice in Guantánamo — Frida Berrigan, Waging Nonviolence

Voices from the Hunger Strike in Guantánamo — Andy Worthington, CloseGuantanamo.org

Ahmed Errachidi: ‘We shared one thing in Guantánamo Bay – pain’ — The Guardian

Guantánamo’s Hunger Strike, by the Numbers – Amy Davidson in the New Yorker