A small group demonstrated on Richmond Terrace for the release of Shaker Aamer who has been detained in Guantanamo Bay for more than 8 years without charge. British Labour politician Martin Linton, Member of Parliament for Battersea, was also there to show his support. United Kingdom, 24/04/2010.
Shaker was cleared for release in June 2007 by the US, and in August of that year the British government requested his release and return but to this day he remains a detainee. Ultimately the decision lies with the Americans, but as Guantanamo is slowly being closed down, well beyond Obama's detail to have it shut by January 2010, detainees are being moved to other facilities. Apparently, Obama wants Shaker to be returned to Saudi Arabia, a country that he fled from over 20 years ago. He has a home in Battersea, a wife and four young children.
Brent Mickum, Shaker's lawyer, believes that the reason he has not been returned to the UK is that he has a story to tell about his mal-treatment and experiences. He claims, "As long as he is in Guantanamo, he can't talk and I can't talk. He is still being tortured down there, and if he ends up dying down there, I have to say there is blood on British hands." Shaker claims that he was subjected to brutal torture and interrogation in the presence of MI5 and MI6 agents colluding with the American intelligence services. His repressed voice may suggest that the US and UK governments have violated international law.
To help Shaker Aamer and his family, David Miliband, British Foreign Secretary, can be contacted at, King Charles Street, London, SW1A 2AH, or by email at private.office@fco.gov.uk.
