Amnesty Protest to Close Guantanamo Bay
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Amnesty Protest to Close Guantanamo Bay
Amnesty Protest in Nottingham City Centre - Close Guantanamo Bay, Please The University of Nottingham's Amnesty International Society's held a protest against the continuing human rights abuses at Guantanamo Bay. On Saturday the 10th of March folks protested against the continuing human rights abuses at Guantanamo Bay. It is now over five years since the first detainees were transferred to the detention camp and despite widespread international condemnation, hundreds of people from more than 30 nationalities remain there: without charge and with little hope of obtaining a fair trial. Enough is enough! Guantánamo Bay is a symbol of injustice and abuse. It must be closed down. Following the spectacular success of the earlier AIUK silent protest in Central London outside the US embassy, The University of Nottingham's Amnesty International Society thus staged a similar silent protest in Long Row East in Nottingham city centre [next to the City Hall], where each participant was decked out with a Guantanamo Bay style orange jump suit. Concurrent with this demo, a contingent of the orange ones, went to the local Starbucks Coffee House, in Clumber Street.Starbucks has an outlet in Guantanamo Bay. They proudly support the US military. A company spokesman has said: "We refrain from taking a position on the legality of the detention centre at Guantanamo Bay". The company also states: "Starbucks has the deepest respect and admiration for U.S. military personnel. We are extremely grateful to the men and women who serve stateside and overseas. We sincerely appreciate that they are willing to risk their lives to protect Americans and our values of freedom and democracy." So, there you have it. Anyway, the organisers had asked, and gained permission from the authorities, a month ago. However, I saw the first two policemen, come round the corner on patrol, and their faces were a picture of suprise. So, nobody had told them ........ As usual, the Community Protection officers and the Police Community Support Officers [half-constables] just had to get involved also. Clearly, since those protesting needed support and protection. I understand many signatores where collected for the petition, and a large number of leaflets handed out, explaining what it's all about. Alan Simpson, MP for Nottingham South, joined in the protest about half way through. Very much in support of those there, he wished all well. Further, he was kind enough to do a short interview for Indymedia. Well done to those involved!!
YouTube | March 11, 2007
