CND has welcomed Shaker Aamer’s release from Guantanamo Bay and has renewed calls to finally close down the infamous prison.
After 13 years of detention and torture, without being charged or put on trial, the British government today confirmed that Shaker is on his way home to his family in the UK.
Kate Hudson, CND General Secretary, said:
‘I’m delighted for Shaker and his family and CND sends warmest wishes to them as they prepare to be reunited. His wife and children, including a son he has never met, have suffered greatly since their husband and father was imprisoned and I hope today will be the first step to recovery for all of them.
‘We must not forget that Shaker and his family are victims of the ‘war on terror’, launched by Bush and Blair. CND has always maintained that we should address conflict and complex regional problems through dialogue and justice, not arbitrary detention and false charges. This US-led strategy has yet to provide a solution to any of the problems and should be revisited. President Obama promised he would close Guantanamo during his Presidency – it’s time for him to act decisively and do so.’
Kate Hudson added:
‘CND is proud to have joined the ‘Save Shaker Aamer’ campaign at many demonstrations and actions over the years. It’s important to congratulate all those who have fought tirelessly to have him and other Guantanamo detainees released. Today is a vindication of that struggle.’