Thursday, January 13, 2022 7:30 PM

For nearly 20 years, Amnesty International has campaigned against the ongoing human rights violations at the Guantanamo Bay detention facility and the release of those detained. Thirty-nine prisoners remain detained. Amnesty International’s campaign to close this secret detention facility continues.

Join us to hear the story of Steve Wood, who was a guard at Guantanamo Bay as a member
of the Oregon National Guard. He was told the detainees were the worst of the worst and responsible for the 9/11 terrorist attack. He witnessed torture techniques and inhumane conditions. Eventually, he guarded Mohamedou Ould Slahi, a Mauritanian man held for fourteen years without charge, and whose story was the subject of the film “The Mauritanian” starring Jodie Foster.

Today, Steve Wood works towards the end of closing Guantanamo. He has reconnected with Mohamedou, and they treat each other as brothers. We are pleased to hear his story in his own words.

To join our virtual event, contact us for the event link.

Portland area author/journalist Sarah Mirk compiled an amazing graphic non-fiction book, Guantanamo Voices: True Accounts from the World’s Most Infamous Prison, exposing the human rights abuses at Guantanamo Bay prison, which the US opened in Cuba exactly four months after 9/11. Mirk will speak at a livestream event followed by an audience Q&A. The event will be hosted by local media personality Theresa Mitchell.

ILLUSTRATING IMPRISONMENT:
Sarah Mirk Presents “Guantanamo Voices”
Tuesday, January 12, 2021, 7:00 PM
Streaming live on YouTube
https://youtube.com/peaceandjusticeworks

No More Excuses: Shut Down Guantanamo!
Friday, January 8, 2021, 4:30-6:00 PM
(socially distanced) Rally & March
Pioneer Courthouse Square, SW Yamhill and Broadway, downtown Portland

January 11, 2021 marks 19 years since the opening of the US prison camp in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. The prison now holds just 40 people (from a height of nearly 800 at one point). Although it stands as a symbol of the United States’ lack of respect for due process, human rights and the rule of law, it has still remained active. In 2018, President Trump reversed President Obama’s policy directive that called to shut down Guantanamo; President-elect Biden has not prioritized closing the camp despite calling it “an advertisement for creating terror.” Local Portland groups join worldwide voices calling to Close Guantanamo Now!

This event is coordinated by Peace and Justice Works Iraq Affinity Group and cosponsored by Amnesty International Group 48. For more information, contact Peace and Justice Works at 503-236-3065 or iraq@pjw.info.