A Broken Promise in U.S. History
As Joe Biden leaves the presidency, he joins a long line of leaders who have failed to close Guantanamo Bay, a detention center that embodies injustice.
The Reality of Imprisonment
I spent 14 years in Guantanamo without ever facing charges. At just 19, I was thrust into a system I did not comprehend, longing for a chance to prove my innocence. Instead, I endured torture and humiliation.
The World’s Apathy
Despite my relentless efforts to share my experience through writing and interviews, the prison remains operational, even after nearly two decades. Guantanamo’s 23rd anniversary passed without meaningful change, leaving me to ponder: Why does this symbol of injustice persist?
A Legacy of Injustice
Established after the 9/11 attacks, Guantanamo operated under the guise of a “war on terror,” yet it legitimized torture and dehumanization. It deliberately bypassed U.S. law, creating a space for indefinite detention that clashes with justice principles worldwide.
The Broader Consequences
Guantanamo has become a model for extrajudicial abuse and human rights violations globally. The treatment of detainees has fueled Islamophobia and justified invasive surveillance against entire communities branded as threats.
The Price of Indefinite Detention
At its peak, Guantanamo housed around 680 individuals—many wrongfully accused. Today, 15 men remain, some cleared for release yet still trapped in limbo, bearing the psychological scars of their unjust imprisonment.
Promises Unfulfilled
For over 16 years, promises to close Guantanamo have been made and broken, from Obama’s initial vow to Biden’s failure to act. The facility operates at a cost of $540 million annually, a heavy burden for a symbol of shame.
A Call to Action
Each anniversary of Guantanamo’s opening reminds us of the need for accountability. It stands in stark contradiction to America’s claims of championing liberty and justice. The prison’s operating status emboldens governments that commit similar abuses.
The Path Forward
As new leadership emerges, a clear call to action must resound: close Guantanamo. It’s time to ensure justice for those wrongly held, acknowledge past wrongs, and offer reparations. Ending this chapter isn’t merely about closure; it assures a future rooted in dignity and the rule of law.
– Biden, like past presidents, fails to close Guantanamo. – I endured 14 years without charges, facing torture. – Guantanamo symbolizes legal failure and human rights violations. – 15 men languish there today, some cleared for release. – Calls for closure and accountability persist as the prison continues operations.
Guantanamo Bay stands as a profound irony against the principles of justice and human rights, continuing to thwart promises made by U.S. leadership. Its closure is necessary not just for the men still detained but as a testament to humanity’s commitment to dignity and lawful representation. The influence of Guantanamo continues to erode global human rights standards, demanding immediate attention and action from international communities.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
