19th Anniversary of Guantanamo – Lewes Amnesty hosts talk by former detainee Mohamedou Ould Salahi

Former Guantanamo detainee Mohamedou Ould Salahi speaking to the Lewes Amnesty

Lewes Amnesty Group was delighted to host a large online audience to hear former Guantanamo detainee Mohamedou Ould Salahi mark the 19th anniversary of the opening of Guantanamo Bay Detention Center and to remember the forty men who remain in Guantanamo today (either detained without charge or trial or who have been subjected to unfair trials).

Chaired by AIUK Board member Hugh Sandeman, the event highlighted Amnesty’s new report on Guantanamo that was issued on 11th January. Aside from Mohamedou, we were joined by Andrew Worthington, campaigner and author of The Guantanamo Files.

We call on all local Amnesty groups to join us in taking action over the coming year to demand that Guantanamo be closed and for justice for the 40 men who still detained in Guantanamo today.

Mohamedou Ould Salahi

Amnesty International supporters worldwide mobilized to secure Mohamedou’s release from Guantanamo in 2016. After his release, he experienced restrictions on his freedom of movement, and Amnesty activists helped him secure his passport from the Mauritanian government. He is still experiencing restrictions, with several countries refusing to grant him visas to visit, allegedly at the behest of the US government, which continues to demonize him.   
A Hollywood production about Guantanamo and Mohamedou is slated for release on 19 February 2021, and Amnesty International is endorsing the movie and partnering with the production team for a joint launch. We are finalizing the launch plans and there will be a subsequent action circular specifically about the movie. You can watch the trailer for The Mauritanian here.