From the Archive

Fast for Justice 2012: Day 9

When Joanne in New York heard that the ten-day forecast for Washington DC during our fast would be rather beautiful and warm except for Wednesday, January 11th, which was predicted to be cold and rainy, she remarked, “You see, even the earth will be weeping that day.” And it was. But as you will read below in the various reflections on today’s rally and events afterwards, we could not have had a more solemn and powerful marking of the tenth anniversary of the opening of the Guantánamo as a detention center for the US “War on Terror.”
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Reflections of a First-Time Faster

I came to fast and walk and build community with Witness Against Torture because I wanted to be in a place where we could remind each other of our humanity. My hope was answered on many levels. This was my first time doing an extended fast, and I got to experience in a new way what my body is capable of. I felt how vulnerable and dependent I am, and yet how much more resilient I am than I could have imagined. Torture and indefinite detention are meant to break people, to strip them of their dignity as human beings. Torture is a process of mutilating another person’s soul, something that neither the victim nor the perpetrator fully recovers from.
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Fast for Justice 2012: Day 8

Video: Beth Brockman the morning of day 8.
Today was a the day of perseverance, preparation and gathering. The round-the-clock vigil with the Guantánamo cell has created a strong presence in front of the White House; a constant reminder. Meanwhile, back at the church, various peoples and groups were assigned tasks in order for tomorrow to run smoothly. It will be no small feat of organization and cooperation for the many expected people to manifest as one singular group, simultaneously speaking out in front of four of the main government institutions responsible for the continuation of Guantánamo—the White House, Department of Justice, Congress and the Supreme Court.
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Fast for Justice 2012: Day 7

Photo: Cage vigil at the White House, hour 66

Over Fifty Citizens on Ten-Day Fast for Justice Carry Guantánamo Cell to President Obama’s Front Door

Activists Commit to Maintaining a 92-hour Vigil Until January 11, Tenth Anniversary of Guantánamo

Fast for Justice 2012: Day 6

Dear Friends,

Fast for Justice 2012: Day 5

Hour 16 of 92-hr Guantánamo cage vigil at White House

Fast for Justice 2012: Day 4

As we prepare this daily update, folks are trickling back to the church from a Clarification of Thought meeting on Witness Against Torture with our friends at the Dorothy Day Catholic Worker. Laughter is hushed as the lights are turned down, mattresses are spread out in every direction across the floor. Day 4 of our fast is coming to a close.
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Trial Ends for 14 Anti-Torture Activists

1 acquitted, 3 found guilty by a jury, charges dropped against 9
Jury Continues to Deliberate on One Case; Sentencing Statements Tomorrow

Fast for Justice 2012: Day 3

Defendant pro se Josie Setzler addresses the judge as the defendants and their attorney advisers look on. Sketch by Deb VanPoolen.