We Stand With Shaker – Launch

Monday 24 November 2014,
1230 HRS

Old Palace Yard,
NR Houses of Parliament,
London
SW1P 3JY

New Campaign Calls for the Release of Shaker Aamer, the last British resident in Guantánamo

24 November 2014 marks the 13th anniversary of the capture of Shaker Aamer, a legal British resident with a British wife and four British children, by bounty hunters in Afghanistan, where he had travelled to provide humanitarian aid.

Mr. Aamer arrived in Guantánamo on 14 February 2002, the day his youngest son was born, and he is still held, even though he has twice been approved for release by the US authorities – under President Bush in 2007 and under President Obama in 2009 – and the British government has been calling for his return since 2007.

The reasons for Mr. Aamer’s ongoing imprisonment have never been adequately explained, but an independent medical expert recently confirmed that he has serious physical ailments and mental health issues as a result of his long imprisonment without charge or trial.

Any further delay is unacceptable, especially as, yesterday, five Guantánamo prisoners cleared for release (from Yemen and Tunisia) were given new homes in Georgia and Slovakia, while Shaker Aamer, who could easily be returned to the UK, is still held.

The ‘We Stand With Shaker’ campaign is encouraging celebrities and members of the public worldwide to take part in our photo campaign, to educate the public about Mr. Aamer’s plight, and to put pressure on the British government to demand his immediate release.

Please come along, in orange jumpsuits if possible, and with signs saying “I Stand With Shaker” to show your support!

For further information;
Joanne MacInnes, campaign co-ordinator: +44 (0)7867 553580
Andy Worthington, campaign director: standwithshaker@gmail.com