February 2008


When We Torture

Nicholas Kristof wrote an article in today’s New York Times, When We Torture, that mentions Adel Hamad’s unconscionable detention. The article focuses on the treatment of one of the other Sudanese detainees, Al Jazeera cameraman Sami al-Hajj, who remains in Guantanamo to this day. He has been on a hunger strike protesting the abuse he has suffered during his six year detention.

One indication that the government doesn’t take its own charges seriously, the lawyers say, is that the United States offered al-Hajj a deal: immediate freedom if he would spy on al-Jazeera. Al-Hajj refused.

Kristof continues:

Al-Hajj cannot bend his knees because of abuse he received soon after his arrest, yet the toilet chair he was prescribed was removed - making it excruciating for him to use the remaining squat toilet. He is allowed a Koran, but his glasses were confiscated so he cannot read it.

All this is inhumane, but also boneheaded. Guantánamo itself does far more damage to American interests than al-Hajj could ever do.

To stand against torture and arbitrary detention is not to be squeamish. It is to be civilized.

— David

Feb 14 2008 07:23 pm | Uncategorized and habeas corpus and military commissions act and guantanamo and adel hamad and detainee rights | No Comments » | Comments RSS

Hamad Continues to Fight for Justice

The Christian Science Monitor has a great new article on Adel Hamad.
It is entitled:

It is well worth the read (click on the title above to open a link to it.)

Since returning to Sudan, Adel has continued to pursue justice for the detainees who remain at Guantanamo uncharged. He is also fighting in U.S. court on two fronts. 1)He is trying to clear his name as an enemy combatant through a habeas corpus petition. Work and travel restrictions still remain until his name is officially cleared. 2)He is suing in U.S. court for compensation for his 5 year incarceration without evidence ever being brought against him.

Amazingly, Adel Hamad harbors no ill will towards America. In this article he eloquently states his case with the following quote:

“We don’t want animosity, we just want to respect America again,” says Hamad, speaking in English phrases he learned while in prison. “The American conscience and the American people need to return to the great concepts established by the Founding Fathers, of freedom, democracy, equality, and justice. All these values and even the justice system are being shaken, played with.”

— David

Feb 06 2008 08:11 am | Uncategorized and habeas corpus and guantanamo and adel hamad and project hamad and detainee rights | No Comments » | Comments RSS