From the Archive

July Newsletter

Dear friends and supporters,

June was a busy month for Witness Against Torture members and we want to take a moment to share what we are working on in the hopes you will join us. Josie, Chrissy and Helen have written a recap of our trials and actions during Torture Awareness Week in DC, in support of survivors of torture. Please check these reflections to hear about our time together: “Case Dismissed: A Personal Reflection,” “The Iftar Circle – A Reflection,” and “The Closing Days of Torture Awareness Week.” Both cases were dismissed but you can read what the court would have heard from our well-prepared trial groups by clicking here, and what Aliya Hussein said about it in CCR’s blog.

While in DC we were excited to support Justin in creating a video about Tariq Ba Odah for the Center for Constitutional Rights, which is appealing for his immediate release from Guantanamo Bay Prison. Here is the full video:

We are also collaborating with No Separate Justice to participate in their monthly NYC vigil in October -– Stay tuned for more info and ways to get involved soon.

Please continue to join our Fast for Justice Campaign as a way to act in solidarity with the men detained at Guantanamo.

We appreciate your support and your hunger for justice.

Mark your Calendars – October 5th, 2015: Witness Against Torture Vigil in collaboration with No Separate Justice in NYC

The human rights and civil rights abuses taking place in the military prison at Guantanamo Bay have, rightly, been placed under a spotlight by people of conscience around the world. Some believe that if only those detained at Guantanamo could be transferred to American soil, to be held and tried as civilians, the abuses would end and justice would be done.

Yet many of the same abuses can be found in the hundreds of “war on terror” cases that have been processed through courtrooms and federal prisons across the United States since 9/11. These abuses — which include inhumane conditions of confinement both pre- and post-trial; evidence kept secret from the person being accused; intrusive surveillance; vague material support charges; FBI-created plots brought into communities through paid informants; and the criminalization of Islamic speech and association -– remain largely invisible.

The mission of the No Separate Justice campaign is to place these abuses, taking place in prisons and courtrooms across the United States, firmly on the agendas of human and civil right organizations, the media, and the U.S. public through education and activism that draws directly upon the experiences and voices of those most directly affected.

Contact Jeremy Varon at jvaron@aol.com to get involved in the October 5 Vigil.

Witness Against Torture on Social Media:

Please “like” us on Facebook & follow us on Twitter & Instagram.
Check out our latest news and updates on Tumblr.
Post any pictures of your local activities to our flicker account and we will help spread the word.

Donate to support our work:

Witness Against Torture is completely volunteer driven and run. We have no paid staff, but do have expenses associated with our organizing work. If you are able, please donate here: www.witnesstorture.org.