CLOSE GUANTANAMO NOW!

WEDNESDAY 5th March 2025

MONTHLY PROTEST VIGIL

TIME: 1pm-3pm

Location: Parliament Square, London

This month’s SHUT DOWN GUANTANAMO PROTEST VIGIL takes place Wednesday, 5th March 2025. The US Guantanamo detention facility needs to be immediately shut down. The facility is a travesty of justice, a place where abhorrent torture has taken place, it is viewed across the world as a symbol of US hypocrisy. The facility is illegal, continues to be viewed as a place of torture, continues to destroy lives. Further, the ongoing existence of Guantanamo provides cover for other rogue states that also disregard International law and human rights, encouraging them to do similar. On all this there is silence from the new US administration.

* The vigil will be a two-hour static protest opposite Parliament holding placards and photos of those still detained, engaging with passers-by, handing out leaflets with actions to take and being a visual presence to those working in Parliament. 

* You are requested to let your MP know you are taking part in the vigil and encourage them to visit the vigil to show their solidarity with the campaign. If you are unable to attend, then please do still write to your MP, emails are generally answered if from a constituent, urge them to join the vigil for a short while if they can. 

* If you can attend this month's vigil then do let Co- convenor of the UKGN know you are coming, contact Sara on Mobile: +44 7710789616 Email: sarabirch50@hotmail.com  

The UKGN website can be visited here: www.ukguantanamonetwork.org  

The UK Guantanamo Network includes the following organisations working closely together to call for the immediate closure of Guantanamo and justice for those currently (or formerly) detained there: 

Close Guantanamo, Freedom from Torture, Guantanamo Justice Campaign, London Guantanamo Campaign, Amnesty International.

PROTEST ACTION - STOP THE TORTURE 

CLOSE GUANTANAMO NOW!

WEDNESDAY 5th February 2025

MONTHLY VIGIL

TIME: 1pm-3pm

Location: Parliament Square, London

* You are requested to let your MP know you are taking part in the vigil and encourage them to visit the vigil to show their solidarity with the campaign.

* If you can attend this month's vigil then do let Co- convenor of the UKGN know you are coming, contact Sara on Mobile: +44 7710789616 Email: sarabirch50@hotmail.com  

* Vigils call for justice "for those who are currently continuing to suffer gross violations in the Guantanamo Detention Centre ....it is vital that we remind the US that their human rights violations in Guantanamo are not going unnoticed and for those still detained to know that they have not been forgotten.”

The UKGN website can be visited here: www.ukguantanamonetwork.org  

The UK Guantanamo Network includes the following organisations working closely together to call for the immediate closure of Guantanamo and justice for those currently (or formerly) detained there: 

Close Guantanamo, Freedom from Torture, Guantanamo Justice Campaign, 

London Guantanamo Campaign, Amnesty International.

CLOSE GUANTANAMO NOW!

WEDNESDAY 4th December 2024

MONTHLY VIGIL: 1pm-3pm

Location: PARLIAMENT SQUARE,Westminster, London

The UK Guantanamo Network vigil calls for the closure of Guantanamo. The vigil takes the form of a two -hour static protest opposite Parliament. Hold banners, placards, and photos of those still detained in the illegal prison. We engage with passers-by, discuss the issue and distribute campaign leaflets, and being a visual presence for those working in Parliament to see.

Guantanamo Justice Campaign says “ Let your Member of Parliament know you are taking part in the network's monthly vigils. Ask them to join you on Parliament Square and stand with you for a while as a show of solidarity, to demonstrate their support for the campaign. 

All supporters are welcome to join the vigil. If you can, do please inform the UK Guantanamo Network Convenor, Sara Birch by email: sarabirch50@hotmail.com , to say you will be coming, doing this will be very helpful. 

If you are unable to get to the vigils then you can still write to your MP, ask them to visit/join the monthly vigils, and tell them about the situation of the 30 detainees still forcibly held in Guantanamo."

For your information: The UK Guantanamo Network includes the following organisations working closely together to call for the immediate closure of Guantanamo and justice for those currently (or formerly) detained there: 

Close Guantanamo, Freedom from Torture, Guantanamo Justice Campaign, London Guantanamo Campaign, Amnesty International.

CLOSE GUANTANAMO NOW!

WEDNESDAY 6th November 2024

MONTHLY VIGIL: 1pm-3pm

Location: outside US EMBASSY, London

UKGN have requested campaigners to meet "just to the north of the Nine Elms Pavilion (i.e.upriver)”. 

The location is next to Riverside Walk on Nine Elms Lane and directly opposite the side road Viaduct Gardens.  

Click the dropped pin on Google Maps for exact location on Riverside Walk of where to meet.

Dropped pin

Guantanamo Justice Campaign says "Let your Member of Parliament know you are taking part in the network's monthly vigils. 

Ask them to join you on Parliament Square and stand with you for a while as a show of solidarity, to demonstrate their support for the campaign. 

All supporters are welcome to join the vigil. 

If you can, do please inform the UK Guantanamo Network Convenor, Sara Birch by email: sarabirch50@hotmail.com , to say you will be coming, doing this will be very helpful. 

If you are unable to get to the vigils then you can still write to your MP, ask them to visit/join the monthly vigils.

Tell your MP about the situation of the 30 detainees still forcibly held in Guantanamo in the US detention facility."

For your information: The UK Guantanamo Network includes the following organisations working closely together to call for the immediate closure of Guantanamo and justice for those currently (or formerly) detained there: 

Close Guantanamo, Freedom from Torture, Guantanamo Justice Campaign, London Guantanamo Campaign, Amnesty International.

CLOSE GUANTANAMO NOW!

WEDNESDAY 2nd October 2024

MONTHLY VIGIL: 1pm-3pm

Location: PARLIAMENT SQUARE,Westminster, London

The UK Guantanamo Network vigil calls for the closure of Guantanamo. The vigil takes the form of a two -hour static protest opposite Parliament. Hold banners, placards, and photos of those still detained in the illegal prison. We engage with passers-by, discuss the issue and distribute campaign leaflets, and being a visual presence for those working in Parliament to see.

Guantanamo Justice Campaign says “ Let your Member of Parliament know you are taking part in the network's monthly vigils. Ask them to join you on Parliament Square and stand with you for a while as a show of solidarity, to demonstrate their support for the campaign. 

All supporters are welcome to join the vigil. If you can, do please inform the UK Guantanamo Network Convenor, Sara Birch by email: sarabirch50@hotmail.com , to say you will be coming, doing this will be very helpful. 

If you are unable to get to the vigils then you can still write to your MP, ask them to visit/join the monthly vigils, and tell them about the situation of the 30 detainees still forcibly held in Guantanamo."

For your information: The UK Guantanamo Network includes the following organisations working closely together to call for the immediate closure of Guantanamo and justice for those currently (or formerly) detained there: 

Close Guantanamo, Freedom from Torture, Guantanamo Justice Campaign, London Guantanamo Campaign, Amnesty International.

CLOSE GUANTANAMO NOW!

WEDNESDAY 4th September 2024

MONTHLY VIGIL: 1pm-3pm

Location: PARLIAMENT SQUARE,Westminster, London

The UK Guantanamo Network vigil calls for the closure of Guantanamo. The vigil takes the form of a two -hour static protest opposite Parliament holding banners, placards, and photos of those still detained in the illegal prison. We engage with passers-by, discuss the issue and hand out leaflets detailing the campaign actions that can be taken. and being a visual presence for those working in Parliament to see.

Guantanamo Justice Campaign says “ Let your Member of Parliament know you are taking part in the network's monthly vigils. Ask them to join you on Parliament Square and stand with you for a while as a show of solidarity, to demonstrate their support for the campaign. 

If you are unable to get to the vigils then you can still write to your MP and tell them about the situation of the 30 detainees still forcibly held in Guantanamo."

All supporters are welcome to join the vigil. If you can, do please inform the UK Guantanamo Network Convenor, Sara Birch by email: sarabirch50@hotmail.com , to say you will be coming, doing this will be very helpful. 

• Those who attend the 'network' monthly vigil regularly, please bring to the vigil if you have them - your orange jumpsuit, black hood to wear and placard/s to hold.

For your information: The UK Guantanamo Network includes the following organisations working closely together to call for the immediate closure of Guantanamo and justice for those currently (or formerly) detained there: Close Guantanamo, Freedom from Torture, Guantanamo Justice Campaign, London Guantanamo Campaign, Amnesty International.

PROTEST ACTION - STOP THE TORTURE

CLOSE GUANTANAMO NOW!

WEDNESDAY 7th August 2024

MONTHLY VIGIL: 1pm-3pm

Location: PARLIAMENT SQUARE,Westminster, London

The UK Guantanamo Network vigil calls for the closure of Guantanamo. The vigil takes the form of a two -hour static protest opposite Parliament holding banners, placards, and photos of those still detained in the illegal prison. We engage with passers-by, discuss the issue and hand out leaflets detailing the campaign actions that can be taken. and being a visual presence for those working in Parliament to see.

Guantanamo Justice Campaign says “ Let your Member of Parliament know you are taking part in the network's monthly vigils. Ask them to join you on Parliament Square and stand with you for a while as a show of solidarity, to demonstrate their support for the campaign.If you are unable to get to the vigils then you can still write to your MP and tell them about the situation of the 30 detainees still forcibly held in Guantanamo."

The UK Guantanamo Network includes the following organisations working closely together to call for the immediate closure of Guantanamo and justice for those currently (or formerly) detained there: Close Guantanamo, Freedom from Torture, Guantanamo Justice Campaign, London Guantanamo Campaign, Amnesty International.

CLOSE GUANTANAMO NOW!

WEDNESDAY 3rd July 2024

MONTHLY SILENT VIGIL - TIME: 1pm-3pm

Location: Parliament Square, Westminster, London

This month the UK Guantananmo Network vigil will be on Wednesday 3rd July from 1pm - 3pm, assembling on Parliament Square. 

The UK Guantanamo Network vigil calls for the closure of Guantanamo. The vigil takes the form of a two -hour static protest displaying campaign banners and placards and holding photos of those 30 men still detained in the notorious illegal US run prison.  Come join us and show your support, engage with passers-by, hand out UKGN campaign leaflets that detail the actions people can take, and help build a powerful visual presence calling for the closure of Guantanamo and justice for the victims of torture. The UKGN monthly silent protest vigils are one of a number similarly organised that take place in the US and around the world.

CLOSE GUANTANAMO NOW!

WEDNESDAY 5th June 2024

MONTHLY SILENT VIGIL - TIME: 1pm-3pm

Location: Parliament Square, Westminster, London

This month the UK Guantananmo Network vigil will be on Wednesday 5th June from 1pm - 3pm, assembling on Parliament Square. 

The UK Guantanamo Network vigil calls for the closure of Guantanamo. The vigil takes the form of a two -hour static protest displaying campaign banners and placards and holding photos of those 30 men still detained in the notorious illegal US run prison.  Come join us and show your support, engage with passers-by, hand out UKGN campaign leaflets that detail the actions people can take, and help build a powerful visual presence calling for the closure of Guantanamo and justice for the victims of torture. The UKGN monthly silent protest vigils are one of a number similarly organised that take place in the US and around the world.

CLOSE GUANTANAMO NOW!

WEDNESDAY 1st May 2024

MONTHLY VIGIL - TIME: 1pm-3pm

Location: outside US Embassy, London

This month the UK Guantananmo Network vigil will be on Wednesday 1st May from 1pm - 3pm outside the US Embassy: 

The UK Guantanamo Network vigil calls for the closure of Guantanamo. 

The vigil takes the form of a two -hour static protest near US Embassy holding photos of those still detained, banners and placards. 

Engaging with passers-by, handing out leaflets with actions to take and being a visual presence to those working in the Embassy.

Location this month: outside US Embassy  - Please find here a dropped pin on Google Maps for exact location on Riverside Walk of where to meet. 

Campaigners meet just to the north of the Nine Elms Pavilion (i.e.upriver). The Nine Elms Pavilion is a gazebo-like structure that looks a bit like a bus stop. 

Please open the dropped pin link for exact location: Dropped pin

SHUT DOWN GUANTANAMO NOW!

WEDNESDAY 3rd April 2024

MONTHLY VIGIL - TIME: 1pm-3pm

Location: PARLIAMENT SQUARE, London

The UK Guantanamo Network vigil calls for the closure of Guantanamo. The vigil takes the form of a two -hour static protest opposite Parliament holding photos of those still detained and placards. Engaging with passers-by, handing out leaflets with actions to take and being a visual presence to those working in Parliament. You are requested to let your MP know you are taking part in the vigil and ask them to come over to the ‘Square’ and stand with you for a while as a show of solidarity, demonstrating their support for our campaign. If you are not able to get to the vigil then you can still write to your MP and tell them about the situation of the 30 detainees still forcibly held in Guantanamo. 

Monthly vigils will continue to take place outside Parliament/US Embassy until Guantanamo is closed. The vigils are generally held at Parliament Square, with each sixth vigil (whenever possible) to be at a location near or outside the US Embassy. 

For your information: The Guantanamo Network includes the following organisations working closely together to call for the immediate closure of Guantanamo and justice for those currently (or formerly) detained there: Close Guantanamo, Freedom from Torture, Guantanamo Justice Campaign, London Guantanamo Campaign, Amnesty International. 

CLOSE GUANTANAMO NOW!

WEDNESDAY 6th March 2024

MONTHLY VIGIL - TIME: 1pm-3pm

Location: PARLIAMENT SQUARE, London

The UK Guantanamo Network vigil calls for the closure of Guantanamo. The vigil takes the form of a two -hour static protest opposite Parliament holding photos of those still detained and placards. Engaging with passers-by, handing out leaflets with actions to take and being a visual presence to those working in Parliament. You are requested to let your MP know you are taking part in the vigil and ask them to come over to the ‘Square’ and stand with you for a while as a show of solidarity, demonstrating their support for our campaign. If you are not able to get to the vigil then you can still write to your MP and tell them about the situation of the 30 detainees still forcibly held in Guantanamo. 

For your information: The Guantanamo Network includes the following organisations working closely together to call for the immediate closure of Guantanamo and justice for those currently (or formerly) detained there: Close Guantanamo, Freedom from Torture, Guantanamo Justice Campaign, London Guantanamo Campaign, Amnesty International. 

SHUT DOWN GUANTANAMO NOW!

WEDNESDAY 7th February 2024

MONTHLY VIGIL - TIME: 1pm-3pm

Location: PARLIAMENT SQUARE, London

The UK Guantanamo Network vigil calls for the closure of Guantanamo. The vigil takes the form of a two -hour static protest opposite Parliament holding photos of those still detained and placards. Engaging with passers-by, handing out leaflets with actions to take and being a visual presence to those working in Parliament. You are requested to let your MP know you are taking part in the vigil and ask them to come over to the ‘Square’ and stand with you for a while as a show of solidarity, demonstrating their support for our campaign. If you are not able to get to the vigil then you can still write to your MP and tell them about the situation of the 30 detainees still forcibly held in Guantanamo. 

Monthly vigils will continue to take place outside Parliament/US Embassy until Guantanamo is closed. The vigils are generally held at Parliament Square, with each sixth vigil (whenever possible) to be at a location near or outside the US Embassy. 

For your information: The Guantanamo Network includes the following organisations working closely together to call for the immediate closure of Guantanamo and justice for those currently (or formerly) detained there: Close Guantanamo, Freedom from Torture, Guantanamo Justice Campaign, London Guantanamo Campaign, Amnesty International. 

JOIN THE MARCH & RALLY IN LONDON SATURDAY, 20th JAN. 2024

CLOSE GUANTANAMO NOW!

ASSEMBLE OLD PALACE YARD 12noon - MARCH TO TRAFALGAR SQUARE FOR RALLY + SPEAKERS at  2pm - 

LETTER HAND-IN TO  PRIME MINISTER at DOWNING STREET at 4pm

PRESIDENT BIDEN CLOSE GUANTANAMO NOW!

8,000 DAYS

PROTEST ACTION - STOP THE TORTURE

WEDNESDAY 6th December 2023

MONTHLY VIGIL - TIME: 1pm-3pm

Location: PARLIAMENT SQUARE, London

UK Guantanamo Network vigils call for the closure of Guantanamo, the next one takes place at PARLIAMENT SQUARE  Wednesday 6th Decembe Time: 1pm – 3pm

A two-hour static protest opposite Parliament holding photos of those still detained and placards. Engaging with passers-by, handing out leaflets with actions to take and being a visual presence to those working in Parliament. 

Please let your MP know you are taking part in the vigil and ask them to come over to see us while you are there. 

If you are not attending you can still write to your MP and tell them about the vigil and ask them to show their support to the vigil. 

You can also take a photo of yourself holding up a poster and send it to Andy for display, at info@closeguantanamo.org

The poster to use is available here: https://gtmoclock.com/posters/GTMO-Clock-8000.pdf

The Guantanamo Network includes the following organisations working closely together to call for the immediate closure of Guantanamo and justice for those currently (or formerly) detained there: Close Guantanamo, Freedom from Torture, Guantanamo Justice Campaign, London Guantanamo Campaign, Amnesty International. 

PROTEST ACTION - STOP THE TORTURE 

SHUT DOWN GUANTANAMO

WEDNESDAY 1st November 2023 - MONTHLY VIGIL - TIME: 1pm-3pm

Location: outside US Embassy, London

Assemble: Riverside Walk (see dropped pin for exact location)

The UK Guantanamo Network vigil calls for the closure of Guantanamo and will take place near to the US Embassy  Wednesday 1st November    Time: 1pm – 3pm  Location: outside US Embassy. Find below a dropped pin on Google Maps for the exact location on Riverside Walk where to meet up. Join campaigners just to the north of the Nine Elms Pavilion (i.e.upriver). The Nine Elms Pavilion is a gazebo-like structure that looks a bit like a bus stop. Please open the dropped pin link for exact location: Dropped pin     Convenor Sara Birch says "The Guantanamo Network welcomes all who want to see Guantanamo closed down to join them" [1st Nov.] 

The Guantanamo Network includes the following organisations working closely together to call for the immediate closure of Guantanamo and justice for those currently (or formerly) detained there: Close Guantanamo, Freedom from Torture, Guantanamo Justice Campaign, London Guantanamo Campaign, Amnesty International. 

Please note:  Parliament vigil scheduled for the 4th October has been postponed until Wednesday 11th October

NEXT SHUT DOWN GUANTANAMO VIGIL 

SHUT DOWN GUANTANAMO - STOP THE TORTURE 

MONTHLY VIGIL

WEDNESDAY 11th October 2023

Location: PARLIAMENT SQUARE (Westminster, London)

Assemble: Parliament Square (directly opposite Parliament) from 1pm -3pm 

Organised by the Guantanamo Network ( A network of organisations including: Amnesty International, Close Guantanamo, Freedom from Torture, Guantanamo Justice Campaign, and London Guantanamo Campaign). 

Activity/Purpose: A two-hour static protest opposite Parliament holding photos of those still detained and placards. Engaging with passers-by, handing out leaflets with actions to take and being a visual presence to those working in Parliament. Please let your MP know you are taking part in the vigil and ask them to join the All Party Parliamentary Group for Closing the Guantanamo Detention Facility.  

Photos from previous vigils can be found on our website at: www.ukguantanamonetwork.org 

All participating organisations in the ’Network’ call on their supporters to join these monthly vigils when they can. Guantanamo Justice Campaign says "The greater the number of campaigners attending, the more the decision makers and the media are forced to take note". 

The inhumanity, the horrific torture, abuse and downright cruelty perpetrated at the US run detention centre must end now!” Plan now to join the UK Guantanamo Network at Parliament Square, London, tomorrow - 6th September 2023. If you can also let Guantanamo Network convenor Sara Birch know you are coming, that would be helpful. Email: sarabirch50@hotmail.com 

FREE RAVIL MINGAZOV

VIGIL OUTSIDE THE UAE EMBASSY

SATURDAY 16th SEPTEMBER 2023

Assemble outside the UAE Embassy: 1pm-3pm

Protest on behalf of Ravil Mingazov - Saturday 16th September 

This coming Saturday the UK Guantanamo Network is campaigning on behalf of Ravil Mingazov and demand that the former Guantanamo detainee be released from detention in the UAE and reunited with his family in the UK as a matter of urgency.

Campaigners meet up from midday at Pret a Manger to prepare/distribute placards - Pret a Manger - 21-24 Grosvenor Pl, London SW1X 7HN which is just around the corner from the Embassy. 

UK Guantanamo Network ( A network of organisations including: Amnesty International, Close Guantanamo, Freedom from Torture, Guantanamo Justice Campaign, and London Guantanamo Campaign). 

All participating organisations in the ’Network’ call on all their supporters who can to join this vigil.

Close Guantanamo! Meeting at the European Parliament - Thursday 28th September 2023 from 9am-12pm

Organisers believe this will be the "most significant gathering ever assembled on Guantanamo" with former prisoners, lawyers and the UN Rapporteur on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms while Countering Terrorism. 

PRISONER 441 INVITES YOU/ CLOSE GUANTANAMO/ Thursday 28th September 2023

Time: 09:00 - 12:00/ Location: European Parliament - Spinelli 1G2

Interpretation: DE/EN/FR/IT/ES/PT

For further details on this event and for guidance as to how you can join the meeting on-line visit: 

Sep. 28: European Parliament Holds “Most Significant Gathering Ever Assembled on Guantánamo”, With Former Prisoners, Lawyers and U.N. Rapporteur - Articles - Welcome to "Close Guantánamo"

(closeguantanamo.org)

SHUT DOWN GUANTANAMO - STOP THE TORTURE 

NEXT MONTHLY VIGILS - WEDNESDAYS

2nd August 2023 & 6th September

Location: PARLIAMENT SQUARE (Westminster, London)

Assemble: Parliament Square (directly opposite Parliament) from 1pm -3pm 

Organised by the UK Guantanamo Network ( A network of organisations including: Amnesty International, Close Guantanamo, Freedom from Torture, Guantanamo Justice Campaign, and London Guantanamo Campaign). All participating organisations in the ’Network’ call on their supporters to join these monthly vigils when they can. Guantanamo Justice Campaign says "The greater the number of campaigners attending, the more the decision makers and the media are forced to take note". 

The inhumanity, the horrific torture, abuse and downright cruelty perpetrated at the US run detention centre must end now!

 Plan now to join the UK Guantanamo Network at Parliament Square, London, on 2nd August 2023. 

If you can also let Guantanamo Network convenor Sara Birch know you are coming, that would be helpful. Email: sarabirch50@hotmail.com 

FURTHER VIGILS ARE TO TAKE PLACE: details tbc 

SHUT DOWN GUANTANAMO - STOP THE TORTURE 

MONTHLY VIGIL - WEDNESDAY 5th July 2023

Location: PARLIAMENT SQUARE (Westminster, London)

Assemble: Parliament Square (directly opposite Parliament) from 1pm -3pm 

Organised by the UK Guantanamo Network ( A network of organisations including: Amnesty International, Close Guantanamo, Freedom from Torture, Guantanamo Justice Campaign, and London Guantanamo Campaign). All participating organisations in the ’Network’ call on their supporters to join these monthly vigils when they can. Guantanamo Justice Campaign says "The greater the number of campaigners attending, the more the decision makers and the media are forced to take note". 

The inhumanity, the horrific torture, abuse and downright cruelty perpetrated at the US run detention centre must end now!

 Plan now to join the UK Guantanamo Network at Parliament Square, London, on 5th July 2023. 

If you can also let Guantanamo Network convenor Sara Birch know you are coming, that would be helpful. Email: sarabirch50@hotmail.com 

FURTHER VIGILS ARE TO TAKE PLACE: details tbc 

SHUT DOWN GUANTANAMO - STOP THE TORTURE 

MONTHLY VIGIL - WEDNESDAY 7th June 2023

Location: PARLIAMENT SQUARE (Westminster, London)

Assemble: Parliament Square (directly opposite Parliament) from 1pm -3pm 

Organised by the UK Guantanamo Network ( A network of organisations including: Amnesty International, Close Guantanamo, Freedom from Torture, Guantanamo Justice Campaign, and London Guantanamo Campaign). All participating organisations in the ’Network’ call on their supporters to join these monthly vigils when they can. Guantanamo Justice Campaign says "The greater the number of campaigners attending, the more the decision makers and the media are forced to take note". 

The inhumanity, the horrific torture, abuse and downright cruelty perpetrated at the US run detention centre must end now!

 Plan now to join the UK Guantanamo Network at Parliament Square, London, on 7th June 2023. 

If you can also let Guantanamo Network convenor Sara Birch know you are coming, that would be helpful. Email: sarabirch50@hotmail.com 

A  FURTHER VIGIL TAKES PLACE IN JULY: Wednesday 5th July -  a monthly vigil outside Parliament  - Time: 1pm – 3pm    - Location: Parliament Square    

'The Mauritanian' currently available on BBC I-player

THE MAURITANIAN depicts Mohamedou Ould Slahi's experience of being detained without charge or trial in Guantanamo. The film was shown recently on BBC2 (last month May 2023) and may still be available to watch on BBC i-player. Do let your friends and contacts know about the film - essential viewing.

The Mauritanian stars Jodie Foster, Tahar Rahim, Shailene Woodley and Benedict Cumberbatch

BBC iPlayer - The Mauritanian

Official trailer:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5WJSjln30BQ

Various reviews:

https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_mauritanian/reviews?intcmp=rt-what-to-know_read-critics-reviews

Launch of 'All-Party Parliamentary Group 

for the Closing of the Guantánamo Detention Facility'

MONDAY, 24th APRIL, 2023 - Committee Room 5 (Palace of Westminster) - co-chaired by Layla Moran MP (Lib Dem) and Chris Law MP

See statement below  - AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL PRESS RELEASE

UK/Guantánamo: new all-party parliamentary group to call for notorious camp's closure

‘By forming the APPG, MPs and peers are sending a strong message to the US administration’ - Sara Birch

A newly-formed group of parliamentarians is set to campaign for the closure of the notorious US detention facility at Guantánamo Bay and will have its inaugural meeting next week.

The “All-Party Parliamentary Group for the Closing of the Guantánamo Detention Facility” - co-chaired by Layla Moran MP (Lib Dem) and Chris Law MP (SNP) - will meet at 17:30 on Monday 24 April in Committee Room 5 (Palace of Westminster) to launch its inaugural meeting.

At the meeting, the group of MPs and peers will hear an update on the current situation at Guantánamo, which still holds 30 detainees, 16 of them cleared for release but still detained. The meeting is expected to be attended by former Guantánamo detainee Mohamedou Ould Slahi.

Sara Birch, Convenor of the UK Guantanamo Network, said:

“It’s heartening that parliamentarians are taking a stand to call for the closure of the Guantánamo Detention Facility.

“By forming the APPG, MPs and peers are sending a strong message to the US administration that, after more than 20 years of detention without trial, it’s high time to end this affront to the rule of law.”

The new APPG will comprise the following members from both Houses of Parliament:

House of Commons

Layla Moran MP (Lib Dem), Chris Law MP (SNP), Sir Peter Bottomley MP (Con), John McDonnell MP (Lab), Caroline Lucas MP (Green), Richard Burgon MP (Lab), Rachael Maskell MP (Lab), Andy Slaughter MP (Lab)

House of Lords

Helena Kennedy (Lab), Shami Chakrabarti (Lab), Sayeeda Warsi (Con), John Hendy (Labour)

Guantanamo Network and Mohamedou Ould Slahi

The formation of the new parliamentary body has been supported over the past 12 months by a coalition of human rights, legal and campaigning groups working together with the UK Guantanamo Network. Their objective is to highlight to UK and US politicians the disastrous impact of Guantánamo on the rights of the remaining detainees, as well as the highly negative impact of the detention centre on the USA’s human rights record, as well as that of allied countries. 

This initiative was prompted by a major speaking tour in March 2022 by Mohamedou Ould Slahi, author of the best-selling memoir “Guantánamo Diary”. His incarceration and torture at Guantánamo featured in the 2021 film The Mauritanian, directed by Kevin McDonald and starring Jodie Foster, Tahar Rahim and Benedict Cumberbatch.

The UK Guantanamo Network is supported by numerous Amnesty UK groups and activists, by the Guantánamo Justice Campaign, the Close Guantánamo Campaign, the London Guantánamo Campaign, and Freedom from Torture. 

SHUT DOWN GUANTANAMO - STOP THE TORTURE 

MONTHLY VIGIL

WEDNESDAY 5th April 2023 

Location: PARLIAMENT SQUARE, Westminster, London

Assemble: 1pm-3pm

Organised by the Guantanamo Network ( A network of organisations including: Amnesty International, Close Guantanamo, Freedom from Torture, Guantanamo Justice Campaign, and London Guantanamo Campaign)

 "It is now more important then ever to join together to show our solidarity to those still detained in Guantanamo and to call for the abuse of their human rights to end. Also to call for justice for those who have previously been detained in Guantanamo”......"our protest will be replicated in five other locations around the world and we are encouraging human rights activists around the world to set up their own monthly vigils in their cities on the first Wednesday of every month until Guantanamo is closed".  (UK Guantanamo Network)

"The greater the number of campaigners attending at Parliament Square, the more the decision makers and the media are forced to take note. The inhumanity, the horrific torture, abuse and downright cruelty perpetrated at the US run detention centre must end now!” (Guantanamo Justice Campaign) 

The vigils are a two-hour static protest opposite Parliament holding photos of those still detained and placards. Engaging with passers-by, handing out leaflets with actions to take and being a visual presence to those working in Parliament. If you can, do let your MP know you are taking part in the vigil and ask them to come over to see us while you are there. 

SHUT DOWN GUANTANAMO VIGIL

International Women's Day

WEDNESDAY 8th MARCH 2023

Location: Parliament Square, Westminster, London

Assemble: 1pm-3pm

Guest speakers: 2pm

VICTORIA BRITTAIN author, campaigner, journalist

KATE HUDSON General Secretary CND

Organised by the Guantanamo Network ( A network of organisations including: Amnesty International, Close Guantanamo, 

Freedom from Torture, Guantanamo Justice Campaign, and London Guantanamo Campaign)

"The UK Guantanamo network  stands in solidarity on International Women’s Day with the wives, mothers, children and families  of Guantanamo detainees, who have been forgotten and  whose lives have been fractured and broken by the lawlessness of the US  and Guantanamo Prison where 32 men remain and those that have been released many have spent nearly twenty years incarcerated and cruelly imprisoned indefinitely without trial”.

Guest speakers: 

VICTORIA BRITTAIN, author, campaigner, journalist - with 20 years experience working at the Guardian where she became associate foreign editor. Books include Shadow Lives: The Forgotten Women of the War on Terror (2013) and The Meaning of Waiting - Tales from the War on Terror, Prisoners Wives Verbatim (2010), and of course Enemy Combatant (2006), as a contributor.

KATE HUDSON, General Secretary Campaign For Nuclear Disarmament (CND), leading anti-nuclear and anti-war campaigner nationally and internationally, author of ‘CND Now More than Ever: The Story of a Peace Movement’

The Guantanamo Network welcomes all who want to see Guantanamo closed down to join them on Wednesday. The vigil will be a two-hour static protest opposite Parliament holding photos of those still detained and placards. Engaging with passers-by, handing out leaflets with actions to take and being a visual presence to those working in Parliament. G-Network says "Please let your MP know you are taking part in the vigil and ask them to come over to see us while you are there. If you are not attending you can still write to your MP and tell them about the vigil and ask them to show their support “.  

For further details on the work of the UK Guantanamo Network please visit: www.ukguantanamonetwork.org 

The event is organised by the Guantanamo Network - organisations working closely together to call for the immediate closure of Guantanamo and justice for those currently (or formerly) detained there: Close Guantanamo, Freedom from Torture, Guantanamo Justice Campaign, London Guantanamo Campaign, Amnesty International. 

CLOSE GUANTANAMO NOW! VIGIL

Wednesday 15th February 2023  

Time: 1pm – 3pm 

Location: Parliament Square 

Activity/Purpose: A two-hour static protest near to US Embassy holding photos of those still detained and placards. Engaging with passers-by, handing out leaflets with actions to take and being a visual presence to those working in Parliament.

Vigils are held monthly either at Parliament Square, or the US Embassy in London, UK 

Organised by the Guantanamo Network 

NEXT - 'CLOSE GUANTANAMO NOW! VIGIL

Wednesday 7th December 2022                                                                          PLAN NOW TO JOIN THE PROTEST!

Time: 1pm – 3pm                                                                                              MAKE A NOTE OF THE DATE & TIME

Location: Parliament Square, London                                                                                                        

Activity/Purpose: A two-hour static protest opposite Parliament holding up photos of those 35 men still forcibly detained in Guantanamo prison, along with campaign placards. Engaging with passers-by, handing out leaflets with actions to take, and being a visual presence to those working in the US Embassy, hopefully including the US Ambassador to the UK. We ask everyone to encourage their MPs to show their support and join the demonstration. 

Placards to hold, and leaflets to distribute will be provided by the organisers on your arrival at the vigil - wear something orange in colour if you can. Bring along others who wish to show their support for the campaign - Guantanamo, the USA run concentration camp which operates outside of international law, must be shut down. 

Organised by the Guantanamo Network - see  description and composition of the alliance of organisations calling for the closure of Gitmo further below.

• The Guantanamo Network consists of the following organisations working closely together to call for the immediate closure of Guantanamo and justice for those currently (or formerly) detained there: Close Guantanamo, Freedom from Torture, Guantanamo Justice Campaign, London Guantanamo Campaign, Amnesty International.

NEXT - 'CLOSE GUANTANAMO NOW! VIGIL

Wednesday 2nd November  

Time: 1pm – 3pm 

Location: US Embassy, London  

Activity/Purpose: A two-hour static protest near to US Embassy holding photos of those still detained and placards. Engaging with passers-by, handing out leaflets with actions to take and being a visual presence to those working in Parliament. 

Organised by the Guantanamo Network 

NEXT - 'CLOSE GUANTANAMO NOW! VIGIL

Wednesday 5th October  

Time: 1pm – 3pm 

Location: Parliament Square, London  

Activity/Purpose: A two-hour static protest opposite Parliament holding photos of those still detained and placards. Engaging with passers-by, handing out leaflets with actions to take and being a visual presence to those working in Parliament. We will be asking everyone to encourage their MPs to come and talk to us. 

Organised by the Guantanamo Network - see  description and composition of the alliance of organisations calling for the closure of Gitmo further below.

VIGIL AT PARLIAMENT SQUARE - CLOSE GUANTANAMO NOW! 

Wednesday 7th September  

Time: 1pm – 3pm 

Location: Parliament Square, London

Activity/Purpose:  A two-hour static protest opposite Parliament holding photos of those still detained and placards. Engaging with passers-by, handing out leaflets with actions to take and being a visual presence to those working in Parliament. We will be asking everyone to encourage their MPs to come and talk to us. 

Organised by the Guantanamo Network

For your information: 

• The Guantanamo Network consists of the following organisations working closely together to call for the immediate closure of Guantanamo and justice for those currently (or formerly) detained there: Close Guantanamo, Freedom from Torture, Guantanamo Justice Campaign, London Guantanamo Campaign, Amnesty International.

• The Network states, "Further vigils and demonstrations will be scheduled for 2023 until Guantánamo is closed and there is justice for those detained there. Specifically we will be organising a march/demonstration to mark the 21st anniversary of the opening of Guantanamo in January 2023  (date of this march/demonstration to be confirmed)”.

Volunteers are urgently needed for the following CLOSE GUANTANAMO NOW! VIGILS: 

These VIGILS are being organised by the Guantanamo Network

Monthly VIGILS will take place over the autumn period - see dates and times further below. Note the locations!

Please place the dates and details in your diary and plan to attend each one.

Ideally the Guantanamo Network wants a minimum of 36 protesters at each VIGIL - but all are welcome.

Wednesday 7th September  

Time: 1pm – 3pm 

Location: Parliament Square, London

Activity/Purpose:  A two-hour static protest opposite Parliament holding photos of those still detained and placards. Engaging with passers-by, handing out leaflets with actions to take and being a visual presence to those working in Parliament. We will be asking everyone to encourage their MPs to come and talk to us.  

Wednesday 5th October  

Time: 1pm – 3pm 

Location: Parliament Square, London  

Activity/Purpose: As above  

Wednesday 2nd November  

Time: 1pm – 3pm 

Location: outside US Embassy, London   

Activity/Purpose : A two-hour static protest opposite Parliament holding photos of those still detained and placards. Engaging with passers-by, handing out leaflets with actions to take. We will aim to get as much media coverage as possible for this vigil which is due to take place just before the US mid-term elections.  

Wednesday 7th December   

Time: 1pm – 3pm 

Location: Parliament Square, London 

Activity/Purpose: As previous Parliament Square protests. 

MARCH & RALLY - LONDON

SATURDAY -  8th JANUARY 2022 

20 YEARS OF GUANTANAMO: CLOSE IT NOW! 

JOIN THE PROTEST MARCH - VOLUNTEER TO BE ONE OF A NUMBER OF ACTIVISTS IN ORANGE JUMPSUITS AT PARLIAMENT (WESTMINSTER, LONDON) FOR SATURDAY 8th JANUARY 2022, CALLING FOR GUANTANAMO TO BE SHUT DOWN - volunteer to take part in the protest march (walking single file) - contact sarabirch50@hotmail.com 

JOIN THE RALLY AT 2pm in TRAFALGAR SQUARE  - 8th January 2022

Speaker platform includes OMAR DEGHAYES former Guantanamo prisoner , JOHN McDONNELL MP, ANDY WORTHINGTON author and campaigning journalist, KATE HUDSON CND, Imam SULIAMAN GHANI, and others…... 

- see more below! 

Future events: vigils, meetings, demonstrations - see details below.

Please note: All planned Guantanamo Justice Campaign (GJC) regular vigils, meetings, and campaign stalls remain CANCELLED until further notice. GJC holds to this course of action, given the ongoing developments and rate of spread of the coronavirus outbreak within the UK and across the globe. We will continue to monitor the situation. However, please also note the online meetings and events taking place as listed further below. 

-----------------------------------------------

HUMAN RIGHTS DAY 10th DECEMBER 2021

Send a letter TODAY on HUMAN RIGHTS DAY 

(or over the next few days) 

one letter to UK Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, and another to  UK Foreign Secretary, Liz Truss. 

"The British government must make forceful representations to US President, Joe Biden, and members of his administration to finally close the Guantanamo torture camp."

Send your letter to: UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, 10 Downing Street, London, SW1A 2AA

Or email the PM, using the link: https://email.number10.gov.uk/

Send a letter (or copy your letter) to:  UK Secretary of State for Foreign & Commonwealth Affairs, King Charles Street, London, SW1A 2AH, United Kingdom

DEMONSTRATION  - WESTMINSTER, LONDON 

Call for the closure of Guantanamo  

Sat. 8th Jan. 2022

Saturday 8th January 2022– DEMONSTRATION outside Parliament (Westminster, LONDON) calling for the closure of Guantánamo and for justice for those still detained/former detainees. 

The 11th January 2022 will mark the 20th anniversary of the opening of Guantánamo. The demonstration will take place outside Parliament on the afternoon of Saturday 8th January, to mark the 20th Anniversary of the opening of Guantanamo on the 11th January (2002). 

PLAN NOW TO BE IN LONDON ON THE 8th JAN 2022

It is understood that The Brighton Amnesty Society is already planning to organise a coach to go up to London that day with students from their Amnesty Group. They say "We have organised a coach in the past – let’s do that again and make sure there are 100 of us in orange jumpsuits outside Parliament the weekend before the 20th anniversary to demand the closure of Guantánamo and justice for those still detained there/those who have been detained there. We are trying to gather the names of 100 activists willing to take part in this campaigning action – please be one of them if you can!" 

Guantanamo 20 Years After Conference - University of Brighton

Friday 12th/Saturday 13th November 2021– a two day on-line international conference hosted by the University of Brighton: Guantánamo: 20 Years After.  

See PRESS STATEMENT further below, and see a link to the on-line conference on Guantanamo here:  Guantánamo: 20 Years After (brighton.ac.uk).

The Lewes Amnesty Group is taking action in collaboration with the Brighton University Amnesty Society over the coming months to demand the closure of Guantánamo – please join us. £10 tickets available – all are encouraged to attend this academic/activist conference which will include ten academic presentations and three panel workshops by experts in the field.  Key speakers will include Mohamedou Ould Slahi (formerly detained in Guantanamo without charge or trial for 14 years) and Andy Worthington (journalist, activist and Guantánamo authority).  Lawyers currently representing those still detained will be taking part in the panel debates and NGO activists including Daphne Evitiar (Amnesty International USA’s Director of Security with Human Rights) and Tracy Doig (Head of Accountability and International Advocacy, Freedom from Torture) will also be taking part in the conference. 

Organisers request that you let others know about the conference.

You can find out more about the on-line conference and 

All will find the Conference highly informative -  a vital experience for students, academics, and all those campaigning for the closure of Guantanamo

See below Lewes Amnesty International's MEDIA RELEASE - feedback on last Saturday's vigil (6th Nov. 2021) and leaflet session in Lewes

Lewes Amnesty vigil for those still detained in Guantánamo – 20 Years on.

LEWES Amnesty Campaigners were joined by other Amnesty campaigners from the South East on Saturday 6th November to protest against the continued detention of 39 men in Guantanamo (some of whom without charge or trial). Members of the Brighton and Hove and Haywards Heath Amnesty groups were amongst those who headed to Lewes to join the protest. Wearing orange jumpsuits, the campaigners held a silent vigil for one hour whilst holding photos of each of the men who are still detained. They were keen to raise awareness about the continued operation of the illegal detention centre where dozens of men continue to languish without ever having been charged or faced a trial. Being held without charge or trial is outside the rule of law and is a practice which has no place in a modern democracy and is a practice that is unreservedly condemned by the United Nations.

Many of those passing by the vigil were shocked to learn that Guantánamo was still open and several people joined the vigil on the spot – some even putting on orange jumpsuits to join those already taking action.

The campaigners also wanted to show the detainees, all of whom have not seen their family members during their detention, that they have not been forgotten. At a recent cinema screening of ‘The Mauritanian’ at Lewes Depot Mohamedou Ould Slahi (who was detained for fourteen years without charge or trial before being unconditionally released) explained how important it is for those still detained to feel that those in the outside world are still aware of their cruel and unjust plight.

Mohamedou Ould Slahi will be one of the keynote speakers to open an international on-line conference on Guantánamo being hosted by the University of Brighton on Friday 12th and Saturday 13th November. The conference, which has attracted a wide range of expert participants from around the world, including lawyers who are representing those still detained in Guantánamo. For details of the conference visit:  Guantánamo: 20 Years After (brighton.ac.uk).  Sara Birch, one of the organisers of the vigil, said “It is likely that the detainees will become aware of this action and so by taking this action at the very least we will show these men that they have not been forgotten by the outside world. Amnesty International aims to shine a light on the darkness whenever and wherever human rights violations are taking place and this is what we were aiming to do last Saturday on behalf of those men still detained in Guantanamo”. 

Saturday 6th November 2021

Guantanamo Justice Campaign leaflet session 

EASTBOURNE 

If you live local to Eastbourne, Sussex (UK) do volunteer time leafleting in the town on the Sat. 6th Nov. 2021. Local GJC supporters will be meeting up at ‘Bankers’ Corner’, Terminus Road (Eastbourne) not far from the rail station at 12 o’clock, with further leafleting at ‘Wishing Tower slopes’ on the seafront at 2pm.

Film screening THE MAURITANIAN

Tuesday 2nd November 2021 

Screening of The Mauritanian 

at The Depot Cinema with Q&A session.

Screening of The Mauritanian at Lewes Depot at 7pm on Tuesday 2nd November 2021. The screening will be followed by a Q&A session with the film’s director Kevin MacDonald, Mohamedou Ould Slahi. Mohamedou is a former Guantánamo detainee forcibly held for 14 years in Guantanamo, detained without charge or trial - the film follows his personal story) and Nancy Hollander (Mohamedou’s US lawyer).  Check out tickets available at: Lewes Depot | Lewes Depot Cinema, Restaurant, Cafe and Bar 

Depot Cinema says 

The Mauritanian

Post-screening Q&A with the film's director Kevin MacDonald, Mohamedou Ould Slahi and lawyer Nancy Hollander.

The Lewes Group of Amnesty International and the Brighton University Amnesty Society are delighted to be supporting the University of Brighton’s screening of Kevin Macdonald's The Mauritanian at Depot, as a prelude to the University of Brighton’s international online conference on ‘Guantanamo – 20 Years On’, which will be taking place on the 12th and 13th of November.

Captured by the U.S. Government, Mohamedou Ould Slahi (Tahar Rahim) languishes in prison for years without charge or trial. Losing all hope, Slahi finds allies in defense attorney Nancy Hollander (Jodie Foster) and her associate Teri Duncan (Shailene Woodley). Together they face countless obstacles in a desperate pursuit for justice. Their controversial advocacy, along with evidence uncovered by formidable military prosecutor, Lt. Colonel Stuart Couch (Benedict Cumberbatch), eventually reveals a shocking and far reaching conspiracy.

SHUT GUANTANAMO! DEMOS outside US Embassy in London resume 1st JULY 2021

London Guantanamo Campaign (LGC) says "Since April 2020, our monthly "Shut Guantánamo!" demos, which we have held since 2007 outside the US Embassy in London, have gone online with people contributing images and messages that we have shared on Facebook and Twitter - thank you for your contributions! Due to the easing of restrictions in England, we will be resuming our in-person demonstrations outside the US Embassy on Thursday 1st July (12-2pm). Please join us if you can. Details below." 

[See details under banner photo]

We (LGC) are also joining the People's Assembly national demonstration on Saturday 26 June https://thepeoplesassembly.org.uk/, midday, to raise awareness about Guantánamo. That date is also International Day in Support of Victims of Torture. If you would like to join us - in an orange jumpsuit, which we can supply, or handing out leaflets - please get in touch."

https://www.facebook.com/events/379910286772908/ 

SHUT GUANTANAMO! DEMO 1st JULY 2021 outside US Embassy in London

LGC states "Following a move online due to Covid-19 restrictions, we [LGC] will be resuming our monthly Shut Guantánamo! demos outside the US Embassy in London on Thursday 1 July. 

Since 2007, we have held regular protests outside the US Embassy in London in solidarity with the remaining prisoners at Guantanamo (currently 40) and to remind the US that its crimes are not forgotten.

Our protests are fully accessible (wheelchairs, prams, mobility scooters) and we have no restrictions as the protest is in an outdoor location and usually small enough. We provide banners and orange jumpsuits, if you wish to wear one, or you can bring your own banners.

The current US Embassy in south London (nearest underground: Vaxuhall) is deliberately set up to provide a hostile setting for protests and render protesters invisible, but we will not be deterred. Please join us if you can."

See video of some of LGC protests outside the previous US Embassy: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oVZMahEpVf8

London Guantánamo Campaign

LEWIS AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL GROUP - PROTEST IN BRIGHTON - SAT. 29th May 2021 

Lewes Amnesty International Group take action again on Saturday 29th May 2021 with a demonstration to take place in BRIGHTON. The demonstration calls for the closure of Guantanamo, the illegal US prison at Guantanamo Bay. The protest, includes a SILENT VIGIL, and aims to raise awareness of the 40 prisoners still held in the facility by the US, outside of international law.

Media report: Local newspaper 'The Argus' published an article with photo on the action which you can find here: 

Guantanamo Bay: Protesters gather in Brighton over prison | The Argus

https://www.theargus.co.uk/news/19338201.guantanamo-bay-protesters-gather-brighton-prison/

Guantanamo Justice Campaign message of support sent to all at the 'CLOSE GUANTANAMO NOW' SILENT VIGIL in BRIGHTON:

ILLEGAL PRISON - GUANTANAMO MUST CLOSE

Greetings and solidarity, from Guantanamo Justice Campaign activists and supporters.

Guantanamo Justice Campaign demands that US President, Joe Biden, takes all necessary steps to immediately close down Guantanamo. He must act resolutely, with determination to end the illegal imprisonment of the remaining prisoners. All have suffered for many years great cruelty, torture and injustice at the hands of Bush, Obama, Trump and yes, currently Biden, US administrations.

We call on UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson to make urgent representations to the US President to close Guantanamo. It needs to be made absolutely clear to both heads of state that people in the UK see things clearly, and in the case of Guantanamo, kidnapping is kidnapping, cruelty is cruelty, torture is torture, and to be cleared for release must mean, in reality, immediate release, and justice must be lawful and just.

We call for Guantanamo to be closed and for an end to indefinite detention and torture. We have stood together against the US/Nato led aggressive wars that have resulted in so much death and destruction. We stand together against a new cold war. And we oppose all forms of racism and bigotry. We call on the US to respect international and human rights laws embedded in the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Our vigils, our protests, our demonstrations are definitely being heard and seen by people around the world. THEY MUST CONTINUE AT EVERY OPPORTUNITY

All Guantanamo Justice Campaign activists and supporters wish you in Brighton today the very best for a successful silent vigil, another courageous action, a demonstration towards ending the travesty of justice that is the infamous, illegal concentration camp sited on occupied land, known as Guantanamo.

Solidarity

Guantanamo Justice Campaign – truth and justice for victims of torture

29.5.21

SHUT DOWN GUANTANAMO online action - Thurs. 1st April 2021 

Joint action by  the following organisations:

LEWES AMNESTY GROUP         LONDON GUANTANAMO CAMPAIGN          CLOSE GUANTANAMO

        FREEDOM FROM TORTURE                    GUANTANAMO JUSTICE CAMPAIGN

1st APRIL is the official launch day of the film 'THE MAURITANIAN'. 

Guantanamo Justice Campaign supporters, who can, are requested to make every effort to take part in this joint 'photo' action. 

You are encouraged to use the placard design provided - see below - or design one similar. 

Take a photo of yourself (with friends too) holding the placard so the message can be read clearly. The more photos sent in the better! 

You are asked to send your photo/s to info@amnestylewes.org

As a GJC supporter we would appreciate you sending a copy of your photo/s to Guantanamo Justice Campaign (GJC) as well - please send to:  gjcampaign2016@gmail.com - we will place your photo on our GJC website.

DO FEEL FREE TO SEND TO GJC AT ANY TIME photos of yourself holding up a placard with an appropriate campaign message:  US MUST CLOSE GUANTANAMO or SHUT DOWN GUANTANAMO or BIDEN MUST CLOSE GUANTANAMO NOW! 

DOWNLOAD, PRINT AND HOLD UP THE PROTEST PLACARD BELOW, AND TAKE A PHOTO - SEE OUR GALLERY PAGE

ALTERNATIVELY SEND US A PHOTO OF YOUR MADE PLACARD OR MESSAGE TO DISPLAY ON OUR WEBSITE 

UN INTERNATIONAL DAY IN SUPPORT OF VICTIMS OF TORTURE 

26th JUNE 2020

Guantanamo Justice Campaign (GJC) calls for an end to torture and brutality,

 and a respect for human rights and international law

On 12 December 1997, via resolution 52/149, the UN General Assembly proclaimed 26 June the United Nations International Day in Support of Victims of Torture. By such initiatives, it was thought that there would be movement towards the total eradication of torture and the effective functioning of the UN Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (the Torture Convention). The UN has said the"26 June is an opportunity to call on all stakeholders including UN Member States, civil society and individuals everywhere to unite in support of the hundreds of thousands of people around the world who have been victims of torture and those who are still tortured today."

The Torture Convention was adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations on 10 December 1984 (resolution 39/46). The Convention eventually came into force on 26 June 1987 after it had been ratified by 20 States. Torture is a crime under international law, but despite 169 countries ratifying the United Nations Convention Against Torture, many countries still continue to practise torture.

The ‘Convention’ places certain obligations on a State party signed up to the agreement. Together they say that the prohibition against torture is absolute – even in extreme situations such as that of military conflict (Article 2). States should also take effective legislative, administrative, judicial or other measures to prevent acts of torture. State parties are prevented from expelling or extraditing a person to a State where there are substantial grounds for believing that he/she would be in danger of being subjected to torture.

The Convention articles also include statements to the effect that States should investigate where it is believed acts of torture have taken place, and   “extradite” or “prosecute” those “suspected” of carrying out torture. For those who allege they have been tortured, States must make sure their case is examined by the competent authorities.

Taken globally, torture has not abated, it takes place in many countries and is said to be on the increase. The UN Secretary General said in his message today that “Torture is an egregious abuse of human rights” and reminded the world that International law “unequivocally prohibits torture”, crucially adding “in all instances”.  The Secretary General statement made clear torture “diminishes everyone and everything that it touches, including torturers and the systems and States where it occurs”. He highlighted two actions that should be taken, “Torturers must never be allowed to get away with their crimes, and systems that enable torture should be dismantled or transformed”. States, governments, politicians authorising, practising and condoning torture, and torturers themselves, in keeping with international law should be held to account for their cruel and criminal actions.

Over many years, UN human rights officials and experts have made repeated calls for the US to shut down the torture prison Guantanamo. In 2017, Nils Melzer, the UN special rapporteur on torture reminded the US administration that by "failing to prosecute the crime of torture in CIA custody, the US is in clear violation of the Convention against Torture and is sending a dangerous message of complacency and impunity to officials in the US and around the world," Melzer added that this is  “one of the most fundamental norms of international law, and its violation is listed among the most serious international crimes, including crimes against humanity and war crimes".

To coincide with the 26th June, Victims of Torture Day, Guantanamo Justice Campaign is calling on people to send letters to President Trump, the UK Prime Minister, as well as to the press on the issue of the illegal US prison that remains open at Guantanamo.

Guantanamo Justice Campaign continues to call for the UK Prime Minister and his government to demand in the strongest of terms that the US closes down Guantanamo prison, perceived as a symbol of injustice and still known for its torture and abuse of prisoners, and indefinite detention practices. Successive UK Prime Ministers have remained remarkably silent on this issue, even though over the years many parliamentarians have spoken out, both individually and collectively. Our Prime Minister needs to speak out publicly on these matters, declare his and the British government’s abhorrence at the fact that Guantanamo still remains open.

The UK at every level of Government should make it absolutely clear and certain to the US Administration that this illegal torture prison needs to be immediately shut down. Across the world people view the prison at Guantanamo, as being set up by the Bush Administration to purposely avoid having to respect and adhere to international law housed within State agreements such as the Convention Against Torture, and the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Former US President Obama repeatedly promised to close the prison. He said “the prison was contrary to our values” and was seen as “a stain on our broader record of upholding the highest rules of law”. However, he failed, lacking the political will to do so. In stark contrast, President Trump has kept it open, bragged about filling it up with “bad dudes” and threatened to re-introduce torture, and shows no signs of changing course. He has claimed that torture “absolutely works”.  As a consequence, the US is increasingly perceived as lacking in moral authority.

However, recently, a group of US Senators wrote to Department of Defence Secretary, Mark Esper, and stated the following, “Congress and the Trump Administration should work together to close the Guantanamo Bay prison facility, which represents a “legal black hole” for detainees and reportedly costs $540 million per year to operate, or $13 million per prisoner.”

Our UK Prime Minister remaining silent on Guantanamo is shameful. British politicians should challenge the US President’s inflammatory and wrongheaded views outright, speak out in public, and demand he close Guantanamo and respect international law on human rights and torture. The UK must stress its total opposition to “indefinite detention”.

We say today and everyday, end the torture, stop the brutality, respect human rights and international law.

Guantanamo Justice Campaign – truth & justice for victims of torture (GJC)  - 26.06.20

LEWES AMNESTY - ONLINE PUBLIC MEETING - 11th June, 8pm 

BETWEEN COVID AND TRUMP: THE HORRORS OF GUANTANAMO

Speaker: ANDY WORTHINGTON, author, campaigning journalist. 

See below flyer for online event Between COVID and Trump: The Horrors of Guantanamo, a public meeting organised by Lewis Amnesty group.

To attend the meeting please contact Lewis Amnesty via their website: http://amnestylewes.org/ as requested on the flyer - see immediately below.

Guest speaker Andy Worthington (journalist, activist and co-founder of the Close Guantanamo campaign) will bring us up to date on what is happening in Guantanamo. His talk will be followed by an opportunity to ask questions and to decide what we can do to close this illegal detention centre, which in January 2022 will have been holding people without trial for twenty years. 

GUANTANAMO JUSTICE CAMPAIGN - monthly VIGIL

PROTEST VIGIL - 12th February 2020

CLOSE GUANTANAMO 

STOP THE ABUSE AND BRUTALITY 

PARLIAMENT SQUARE: WED. 12th February,  1pm-3pm

Assemble: opposite PARLIAMENT, Westminster, London

GUANTANAMO IS AN ILLEGAL USA RUN TORTURE PRISON - IT MUST BE SHUT DOWN

WE SAY:

DEMAND UK PRIME MINISTER, UK GOVERNMENT MINISTERS, PARTY LEADERS & MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT SPEAK OUT AGAINST INDEFINITE DETENTION AND TORTURE

THE UK PRIME MINISTER  MUST TELL US PRESIDENT TRUMP TO SHUT GUANTANAMO DOWN

STAND WITH US AT PARLIAMENT SQUARE - HELP DISTRIBUTE OUR FLYERS AND ASK PEOPLE TO SIGN OUR TWO PETITIONS ON GUANTANAMO and UK COMPLICITY IN TORTURE 

Note: Following this vigil, supporters are encouraged to join us (12th Feb. 2020) at our (GJC) monthly campaign meeting at PCS HQ, 160 Falcon Road, Battersea, London.  The meeting starts at 5.30pm, ends 7pm. The venue is right beside Clapham Junction rail station. Campaign resources can be collected from the meeting. Help plan future campaign work and events. New activist/supporters - warmly welcomed.

Next GUANTANAMO JUSTICE CAMPAIGN monthly VIGIL

Next GJC monthly PROTEST VIGIL - PARLIAMENT SQUARE -  Wed. 9th October 2019

CLOSE GUANTANAMO - END THE TORTURE AND THE BRUTALITY!

WEDNESDAY: 9th October 2019

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson must demand President Trump close Guantanamo

ASSEMBLE: 1pm - 3pm, PARLIAMENT SQUARE, Westminster, London

Nearest tube station: Westminster   -    This event is one of Guantanamo Justice Campaign's regular monthly vigils.

SPREAD THE WORD THAT GUANTANAMO, THE ILLEGAL USA TORTURE PRISON, SHOULD BE CLOSED

DEMAND UK PRIME MINISTER, GOVERNMENT MINISTERS, PARTY LEADERS & MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT SPEAK OUT AGAINST INDEFINITE DETENTION AND TORTURE

HELP DISTRIBUTE LEAFLETS AND ASK PEOPLE TO SIGN OUR TWO PETITIONS ON GUANTANAMO and UK COMPLICITY IN TORTURE

Join us in our campaign for truth, justice and Guantanamo closure. All welcome to help plan our future campaign actions.  To receive regular campaign updates and details of future meetings and events please contact GJC, text or message mob. 07756493877, or email gjcampaign2016@gmail.com stating your contact details - name, email, and tel no.

PROTEST VIGIL - Wed. 14th August 2019

CLOSE GUANTANAMO 

STOP THE ABUSE AND BRUTALITY 

DOWNING STREET: WED. 14th Aug 2019, 1pm-3pm

Assemble: Whitehall, opposite Downing Street, London SW1A 2AA

GUANTANAMO IS AN ILLEGAL USA RUN TORTURE PRISON

DEMAND UK PRIME MINISTER, UK GOVERNMENT MINISTERS, PARTY LEADERS & MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT

SPEAK OUT AGAINST INDEFINITE DETENTION AND TORTURE

THE UK PRIME MINISTER  MUST TELL PRESIDENT TRUMP TO SHUT GUANTANAMO DOWN

JOIN US AT PARLIAMENT SQUARE AND HELP DISTRIBUTE OUR FLYERS AND ASK PEOPLE TO SIGN OUR TWO PETITIONS ON GUANTANAMO and UK COMPLICITY IN TORTURE 

Following this vigil (14th Aug.), supporters are encouraged to join us at our (GJC) monthly campaign meeting at PCS HQ, 160 Falcon Road, Battersea, London. The meeting starts at 5.30pm, ends 7pm. 

PANEL DISCUSSION - Wed. 10th July 2019

CIA TORTURE UNREDACTED

A panel discussion with Cori Crider

SAM RAPHAEL, CROFTON BLACK and Ruth BLAKELEY discuss their major new report into the CIA's Rendition, Detention and Interrogation programme.

Wed, 10 July 2019   6pm-8pm

Regent Street UG.05, University of Westminster, 309 Regent St, London, W1B 2HW

Org. by the Rendition Project / TBIJ

Organisers say, "Between 2002 and 2008, the US Central Intelligence Agency, with assistance from the UK and several European states, disappeared scores of terror suspects into a global network of secret prisons or "black sites". They were held incommunicado, tortured, and no public record was made of their fate. For the first time, we present a comprehensive overview of the entire black site network, drawing on new data derived from an unprecedented analysis of the Senate Intelligence Committee's 2014 study of CIA detention. Our discussion will focus on new findings and innovative techniques of open source investigation."

Refreshments will be provided. Panel discussion, with Cori Crider, begins at 6:30pm.

Panel:

Sam Raphael is Reader in International Relations at the University of Westminster, and Co-Director of The Rendition Project.

Crofton Black is a research consultant, open source investigation specialist and co-author of Negative Publicity: Artefacts of Extraordinary Rendition (Aperture 2016).

Ruth Blakeley is Professor of Politics and International Relations at the University of Sheffield, and Co-Director of The Rendition Project.

Cori Crider, former director at Reprieve, litigated rendition and torture for over a decade; she is now a founder of Foxglove, a startup that aims to make tech accountable.

PROTEST VIGIL - Wed. 10th July 2019

CLOSE GUANTANAMO 

STOP THE ABUSE AND BRUTALITY 

PARLIAMENT SQUARE: WED. 10th July 2019, 1pm-3pm

GUANTANAMO IS AN ILLEGAL USA RUN TORTURE PRISON

DEMAND THE NEXT UK PRIME MINISTER, UK GOVERNMENT MINISTERS, PARTY LEADERS & MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT

SPEAK OUT AGAINST INDEFINITE DETENTION AND TORTURE

UK PRIME MINISTER MUST TELL PRESIDENT TRUMP TO SHUT GUANTANAMO DOWN

JOIN US AT PARLIAMENT SQUARE AND HELP DISTRIBUTE OUR FLYERS AND ASK PEOPLE TO SIGN OUR TWO PETITIONS ON GUANTANAMO and UK COMPLICITY IN TORTURE 

NOTE: This month's GJC CAMPAIGN MEETING (10th July) will now take place following this VIGIL, at a new time and location. For our campaign meeting, please first meet up by 3pm at our VIgil in Parliament Square. We will then move to a venue close by the 'Square' to hold our meeting. Our campaign meeting will run from  3.30pm-5pm. This will enable people to attend the CIA TORTURE UNREDACTED panel discussion taking place at Westminster Uni in the evening - see full details for that discussion further above.

Next GJC monthly PROTEST VIGIL - PARLIAMENT SQUARE -  Wed. 12th June

CLOSE GUANTANAMO - END THE TORTURE AND THE BRUTALITY!

WEDNESDAY: 12th June 2019

UK Prime Minister must demand President Trump close Guantanamo

ASSEMBLE: 1pm - 3pm, PARLIAMENT SQUARE, Westminster, London

Nearest tube station: Westminster   -    This event is one of Guantanamo Justice Campaign's regular monthly vigils.

SPREAD THE WORD THAT GUANTANAMO, THE ILLEGAL USA TORTURE PRISON, SHOULD BE CLOSED

DEMAND UK PRIME MINISTER, GOVERNMENT MINISTERS, PARTY LEADERS & MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT SPEAK OUT AGAINST INDEFINITE DETENTION AND TORTURE

HELP DISTRIBUTE LEAFLETS AND ASK PEOPLE TO SIGN OUR TWO PETITIONS ON GUANTANAMO and UK COMPLICITY IN TORTURE

Together Against Trump - Stop the State Visit Demonstration

President Trump’s full state visit to the UK takes place over 3rd- 5th June. 

MOBILISE - DEMONSTRATE 

‘Together Against Trump - Stop the State Visit Demonstration’

4th June to take place in London. 

Organised by ‘Together Against Trump’

ASSEMBLE at 11am, in TRAFALGAR SQUARE

Further details: http://www.stopwar.org.uk/index.php/events/national-events/3348-4-june-london-together-against-trump-stop-the-state-visit

A quarter of a million protested against Tump’s visit to the UK last year. Trump’s policies and public statements have served to fuel racism and far right politics, sow the politics of hate and ferment division. He has shown a disregard for international law with respect to human rights, war and conflict – Guantanamo is one example which continues to be known as a place of brutality and torture where prisoners are denied their human rights and access to justice.  The demonstration in London on the 4th June will highlight many issues, "the fight for migrant and refugee rights, for women’s rights, against the corporate elites and for the future of our planet”. 

Join the protest: Together Against Trump - stop the state visit

GUANTANAMO JUSTICE CAMPAIGN supporters will meet up on 4th June  and …. ASSEMBLE on the steps of St MARTINS IN THE FIELDS, Trafalgar Square at 11am. 

GJC will be joined by LONDON GUANTANAMO CAMPAIGN and others to form a ‘Close Guantanamo’ bloc on this 'NO TO TRUMP' march. 

We will show our opposition to the state visit, saying to the US President Trump, no to racism, no to torture, and demand the closure of Guantanamo prison, and justice for all the prisoners held there. 

Past events 2019

Next PROTEST VIGIL - Wed. 8th May 2019

PARLIAMENT SQUARE, LONDON

CLOSE GUANTANAMO 

STOP THE ABUSE AND BRUTALITY

WED. 8th May 2019, 1pm-3pm

Guantánamo currently holds 40 prisoners, many of whom were tortured. Horrific human rights violations have taken place in this illegal prison. Some detainees at Guantanamo have been cleared for release for years, but are still cruelly held there. They should be released immediately. The UK government must call for Guantanamo to be closed and for an end to indefinite detention and torture. It should also call on the US to respect international and human rights laws as embedded in international agreements such as the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights. 

This protest coincides with Prime Ministers Questions

GUANTANAMO JUSTICE CAMPAIGN

Next PROTEST VIGIL - Wed. 10th April 2019

PARLIAMENT SQUARE, LONDON

CLOSE GUANTANAMO 

STOP THE ABUSE AND BRUTALITY

WED. 10th April 2019, 1pm-3pm

Coincides with Prime Ministers Questions

PAST EVENTS 2018

GUANTANAMO JUSTICE CAMPAIGN: Regular PROTEST VIGILS 

CLOSE GUANTANAMO: NO TO INDEFINITE DETENTION - NO TO TORTURE

Assemble: PARLIAMENT SQUARE, LONDON: 1pm-3pm        

Next 2018 vigil dates: 12th Dec. 2018

These protest vigils coincide with Prime Ministers Questions. The Prime Minister, Government Ministers and MPs get to see our protest. Join us if you can, stand with us, come hold a campaign placard or banner - call for Gitmo to be shut down, the truth to be told, and justice for the Guantanamo prisoners. 

DEMONSTRATION AGAINST FASCISM & RACISM 

Guantanamo Justice Campaign will meet up at 11.30am at the junction of MARGARET STREET & REGENT STREET.

If you arrive earlier then note the Mustard Cafe is right nearby the junction situated in Margaret Street

At 12 noon we need to be ready to stand and display our banners and placards and join the DEMONSTRATION in Great Portland Street.

See MAP of the area:  MAP 

National Unity Demonstration Against Fascism and Racism

Sat 17 Nov 2018 

Assemble: 12 noon

Central London

Outside BBC, Great Portland Street, Oxford Circus, London

Organised by: Stand Up To Racism, Unite Against Fascism and LoveMusic HateRacism

Stop the War Coalition says "We are experiencing the biggest rise in support for fascism, the far right, racism, Islamophobia and Antisemitism since the 1930s. In Britain fascists and racists are mobilising on a scale not seen for decades. We must unite against this threat. A range of national figures are supporting this national demonstration….The demonstration is initiated by Stand Up To Racism, co-sponsored by Unite Against Fascism and LoveMusic HateRacism, and supported by Diane Abbott MP and John McDonnell MP amongst others.”

UN INTERNATIONAL DAY in support of VICTIMS OF TORTURE   

Please support this event organised by London Guantanamo Campaign

UN International Day in Support of Victims of Torture

The London Guantánamo Campaign invites you to a

VIGIL IN SOLIDARITY WITH VICTIMS OF CIA TORTURE

With speakers and open mic

Tuesday 26 June 2018, at 6.30-8pm

Outside the US Embassy, 33 Nine Elms Lane, London SW11 7US (nearest underground: Vauxhall)

 On 18 May, Donald Trump’s pick for new CIA chief Gina Haspel was confirmed in the position in spite of her role in running a secret CIA torture prison as part of the extraordinary rendition (kidnap and torture) programme. No officials have ever been prosecuted for their role in post-9/11 torture; instead, they are being promoted. Haspel faces being prosecuted for war crimes if she travels to Europe.

Under the guise of the “war on terror”, the CIA has been involved in torture in many countries across the world, running secret torture facilities in Europe, Asia and Africa, and not-so-secret facilities at Bagram in Afghanistan and Abu Ghraib in Iraq. This was only possible with the complicity of many states worldwide, including the UK.

The CIA’s history of the use of torture, human experimentation and other forms of violence is as old as the spy agency itself, with a history of running and participating in a global torture programme against leftists, nationalists and other Cold War "enemies" throughout Latin America and other parts of the world. 

Torture does not work and is illegal. It is a tool to break individuals and intimidate communities. While survivors have to live with the consequences of their ordeal and the scars others cannot see for the rest of the lives, the CIA is remorseless and indifferent to the suffering it has caused.

 Take a stand: the LGC has marked this important occasion each year since 2010 and invites you to join us to stand in solidarity with victims worldwide on this day.

 For more details, e-mail london.gtmo@gmail.com or call 07809 757 176

LGC  holds a regular monthly demonstration calling for the closure of Guantánamo Bay. LGC's June demonstration is on Thursday 7 June at 12-2pm outside the US Embassy, 33 Nine Elms Ln, London SW11 7US: https://www.facebook.com/events/954230551413655/

TRUMP VISITING THE UK? MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD!

13 July 2018| London | Together Against Trump: National Demo

DONALD TRUMP IS REPORTED TO BE COMING TO BRITAIN IN JULY 

US President, Donald Trump, is now reported to be coming to Britian in July -  a massive national demonstration against his politics of racism, war and hate is being organised. The demonstration Together Against Trump is published as 13th July. PLAN NOW TO BE ON THE DEMONSTRATION. The date of this protest may change as more about the visit is known. 

Together Against Trump: National Demo

Fri 13 July 2018 | 14:00

**ASSEMBLE @ 2PM**

BBC - PORTLAND PLACE

London W1A 1AA

**RALLY @ 5PM - TRAFALGAR SQUARE **

DONALD TRUMP IS  COMING TO BRITAIN IN JULY 

A MASSIVE NATIONAL DEMONSTRATION AGAINST HIS POLITICS OF RACISM, WAR AND HATE iS BEING PLANNED

StWC says, "This could be a march of millions. 4% of the population - or around 2 million people have said that they would “definitely” take part in protests against the visit.”  

"The Stop Trump Coalition is a network of grassroots campaigns, unions, NGOs and politicians initiated by journalist Owen Jones in February 2017. Stand Up to Trump includes a range of campaigns against war, austerity and racism, as well as public figures who have pledged to mobilise against a Trump visit.  Both organisations have come together for a one-off national demonstration under the banner of Together Against Trump." 

Details of the demo will appear here: http://www.stopwar.org.uk/index.php/events/national-events/3005-14-july-london-together-against-trump-national-demo

Stop Trump’s website can be viewed here: https://www.stoptrump.org.uk/who-we-are/

Stand up to Trump’s website can be viewed here: http://standuptotrump.uk