17-19 May 2013: Global Weekend of Action on the Guantánamo Hunger Strike

Almost all of the remaining 166 prisoners at Guantánamo Bay have been on hunger strike since around 6 February. Held for over 11 years, more than half of the prisoners have been cleared for release and only 6 face charges. Of those 6, in the case of at least two prisoners, the evidence has clearly been obtained through torture, including waterboarding. They face no prospect of a fair trial. Ignored by the mainstream media, failed by the Red Cross who left Guantánamo Bay one day before the military used plastic bullets and force against starving, weakened men, and the governments of the states they are from, we call on all citizens of the world to take a stand for justice and join us, as the hunger strike enters its 100^th day on 17 May, in a global weekend of action.

 

In the words of the last prisoner to die at Guantánamo Bay, Adnan Latif:

They are artists of torture,

They are artists of pain and fatigue,

They are artists of insults and humiliation.

Where is the world to save us from torture?

Where is the world to save us from the fire and sadness?

Where is the world to save the hunger strikers?

We invite you wherever you are to join in a global day of fasting and protest action wherever you are. What does this involve?

Fasting action:

For this action, we suggest that people fast a minimum of from dawn to dusk, with or without liquids, or some may prefer longer fasts of 24 hours, at the discretion of the person fasting. If you choose a 24 hour fast, you may consider a sponsored action to raise more awareness.You can fast one, two or all three days.

- You can also donate your ''lunch money'' to charity, such as Reprieve, the Helen Bamber Foundation, or a homeless charity such as Shelter or St Mungo’s.

- Please let us know if you are pledging to fast as an individual or group and you can sign on the international pledge site here:  
http://codepink.salsalabs.com/o/424/p/dia/action3/common/public/?action_KEY=7140  

Let the world know about your action:

Protest: As well as fasting, set up a protest in your town. Organise a demonstration with your friends and friends. Find a popular space in the centre of town – perhaps do this on Saturday 18 or Sunday 19 May – and hold up some placards to let people know about the hunger strike. The media is ignoring the issue but you can share your pictures/videos on http://www.facebook.com/events/148018998711758/ and Twitter with us @shutguantanamo Be the media, as we did to highlight awareness in London when the hunger strike entered its 3^rd month. Get in touch for more ideas/guidelines.
Share a link to your protest/action here: http://org.salsalabs.com/o/1170/p/salsa/event/common/public/create.sjs?distributed_event_KEY=718
Search for actions in your area here: http://org.salsalabs.com/o/1170/p/salsa/event/common/public/index.sjs?distributed_event_KEY=718

Spread the word: If you are a member of a faith community, ask your religious leader to mention it during a sermon on that weekend: Friday sermon for Muslims on 17 May, and ask Jewish and Christian faith leaders to the same on the Saturday and Sunday as well as other faith or secular groups.

If you are a teacher or a student, you could organise an assembly about the hunger strike at your school on 17 May.

If you are on Twitter, you can join in or follow the lead up to the action on the day by using the hashtags #GitmoHungerStrike and #May17 #May18 #May19.

Most importantly, please let us know what you are doing and/or planning! Be a part of this global citizen action.

 If you are in the UK and are planning an action, represent an organisation that would like to support this action or get involved (individual/organisation), please get in touch with us: london.gtmo@gmail.com

As part of this action, a demonstration will be held in London on Saturday 18 May at 3-6pm outside the National Gallery, Trafalgar Square. All are welcome to join us: www.facebook.com/events/113404248830109/ 

Please sign the petition put together by former chief prosecutor at Guantánamo Bay Colonel Morris Davis calling for the closure of Guantánamo Bay: https://www.change.org/petitions/president-obama-close-detention-facility-at-guantanamo-bay 

This action is supported by: London Guantánamo Campaign (UK), Campaign for the Accountability of American Bases (UK), Cageprisoners (UK), Code Pink (USA), Witness Against Torture (USA), World Can’t Wait (USA), Facilitate Global (UK), Kingston Peace Council (UK), London Catholic Worker (UK), Veterans for Peace UK (UK), Save Shaker Aamer Campaign (UK), Campaign Against Criminalising Communities (UK)