Once again, the detention facilities at Guantanamo Bay remain operating as we mark Torture Victims and Survivors Month this June. Hundreds of people remain in the prison without formal charges. Those who have been charged face the prospect of an unfair trial at the hands of a “military commission” that lacks independence and is allowed to use evidence that would be thrown out in a normal court of law as tainted by torture and other abusive interrogation methods.
June also marks the beginning of Congress’s annual Independence Day recess. Many our elected officials will return home from Washington during this break, creating an excellent opportunity to for us to meet with them in person and remind them that it is long since time to close the detention facilities at Guantanamo. All prisoners should either be charged with a recognized criminal offense or released. Those that are charged should be given fair trials in civilian courts.
You can help out by volunteering to organize a meeting with one of our members of the House or the Senate. You can also join an existing delegation.
Lobbying Congress is easy and effective, especially with the materials and training that Amnesty provides. As the Legislative Coordinator for New Jersey, I will also be available to assist delegation leaders plan their visits.
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