100 Days of Hunger Strike Global Call to Action in Summary
Compiled by Palina Prasasouk
From Mexico, to Spain to Australia, over 20 cities spanning over four continents held actions calling for the closure of Guantanamo Bay Detention Center, marking the 100th day of the hunger strike. Actions began on Friday May 17th in Melbourne, Australia.
Melbourne, Australia, outside US consulate with good support from the local cops.
"The Sydney action was lovely- many people came up to talk to us and ask questions as we read letters and poems. The most common response was 'but didn't Obama close it?' So explaining the situation was the main part of the afternoon. There was a great deal of outrage from people when they realised that there were still people who were over there without charge or trial. The ambassador refused to come down and speak to us-which was unsurprising. We had a surprise visit from the head of the Australian Foundation for Human Rights who gave a fantastic statement about peace and social justice."
- Aloysia
The Justice Campaign
Screen shot taken from video of the demo.
London
On the 101th day of hunger strike about 80 people gathered around the US embassy in London where a murder scene was staged and speakers like Ciaran Atwoli of the Catholic Workers and the presences of Shawki Ahmed Omar's wife and daughter were made.
"The government and the mainstream media enjoy painting the people of Britain in a negative light to hide the inhumanity of their own actions. There was little media presence at these actions over the weekend, yet without a budget, PR consultants, events managers and celebrity involvement – indeed, all the actions were organised by individuals or grass roots voluntary organisations, there was almost no support from larger anti-war or human rights organisations – ordinary people managed to organise a dozen events in 3 days and show their solidarity. In eleven and a half years, the government has not managed to secure the release of one man, Shaker Aamer, in spite of the “special relationship” with the USA and has recently introduced the Justice and Security Act 2013 to hide its involvement in torture and rendition worldwide. What the British public could do in three weeks, the British government cannot do in over a decade. Please check the website for details."
The London Guantánamo Campaign
More videos from the demo.
Let's go over to the US now where protests and vigils spanned from the Pacific ocean to the Atlantic.
Taken during the lunch hour in downtown Los Angeles near Union Square.
Washington DC
In DC 360,000+ signed petitions were delivered to The White House, 166 flowers were laid to represent the remaining 166 detaines in Guantanamo Bay Detention Center, and 14 activists were arrested in front of the White House where it is legal to protest, but kneeling and standing are not permitted.
Col. Morris Davis, former chief prosecutor.
http://www.aljazeera.com/video/americas/2013/05/201351719348602566.html
Photos from Scott Langley
Chicago
In Indiana an anonymous activist who calls himself "Inmate 1776" joined Chicago in a procession to Federal Plaza on his sixth day of a hunger strike until ten of the major news outlets in Indiana broadcasts headlining stories.
Timothy Murphy of Claremont, CA is on a similar journey. Timothy is a Ph.D. student and an ordained minister who felt spiritually compelled to the hunger strike since May 12th, drinking only water.
More photos from Amnesty International Mid-west.
http://gapersblock.com/mechanics/2013/05/23/chicago-activists-call-for-the-end-of-guantanamo-bay/
Amherst, MA
Three women and a dog pass out leaflets and stand out on a street corner in in Amherst, MA on the 100th Day of the Gitmo Hunger Strike, embodying their vision:”Close Guantanamo with Justice!”
L-R: Paki Wieland, Beth Adams (under the hood) Dusty Miller and Mason the dog.
“Where is the world to save us from torture?
Where is the world to save us from the fire and the darkness?
Where is the world to save the hunger strikers?” Excerpted from “Hunger Strike Poem” by Adnan Latif, 37, found dead/murdered? in Guantanamo, Sept. 12, 2012.
Woodstock, New York
In Woodstock, New York , an artists colony and most known for lending its name to the music festival Woodstock, with a population of less than 6,000. More than a dozen citizens stood on the streets acting their voice against Guantanamo Detention Center.
Boston, MA
Boston held two vigils. One at Arlington Street Station and here at Boston Street Station where they were joined by activists from the earlier vigil.
Video of the action here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJdH7sBbA-w&feature=youtu.be
More photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/protestphotos1/sets/72157633527509412/detail/
New York City
"Only in Times Square," you say? Witness Against Tortured, joined by The World Can't Wait and Amnesty International, gathered outside in Times Square marching to the tune of Peace Poet, Luke Nephew:
Our brothers on a hunger, hunger strike Can't let them, let them, let them die If we do then we lose our dignity
America, stand up and sing with me.
Don't be a hesitant,
Go tell the President
Close Guantanamo Now...
Video of the action here.
Andy Worthington's thoughts on the 100 Days of Guantanamo Hunger Strike
Steps Obama and the Public Can Take
Jason Leopold's latest article: Physicians Dismisses Force Feeding Concerns
A look inside Camp 5, morning prayers.