Past Issues :: 2007 January 19 :: Act Now
Demand justice for Guantanamo Bay prisoners: Restore habeas corpus
Adel Hamad was a teacher of elementary school orphans, a hospital
worker, and someone who coordinated the delivery of food, medicine
and blankets to refugees. He has been imprisoned for 5 years and
classified as an enemy combatant, despite the lack of any allegations
or evidence that he ever acted against the U.S. or its allies, or
even had political sympathies for those who did. His friends and
colleagues describe him as a funny, apolitical man who loved charity
work and ping-pong. One U.S. army major at his Tribunal called his
detention unconscionable.
Project Hamad is a website created by Portlanders David Naimon, Laura Moulton and Ben Parzybok to raise awareness about Adel Hamad and other detainees being held at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
Growing evidence shows the majority of prisoners in Guantanamo Bay have not committed any belligerent act against the U.S. or its allies. These prisoners, who have no legal recourse, have not been given their day in court. Nor have their detentions been scrutinized by a judge. They remain in jail year after year, separated from their families, often not fully knowing the accusations against them or the identity of their accusers. With the waiving of habeas corpus, their right to a fair trial has been further undermined by the U.S. government.
With the convening of the new Congress, several senators are pressing to revisit the Military Commission Act, which nullified habeas corpus. This will no doubt help to shed new light on the situation of the detainees at Guantanamo Bay, and improve the chances of the release of Mr. Hamad and other innocent detainees.
You can help this cause by spreading the word of Adel Hamad's case to your friends and family.
What can you do?
- Become a member at projecthamad.org. This shows that you support the cause. It's similar to signing a petition.
- Download the poster. Place it in the window of your house, of your car, on your fence, around your neighborhood.
- Spread the word. E-mail your friends and colleagues about Project Hamad.
- Add a "Member Project Hamad" button or widget to your Web site, or just link to www.projecthamad.org.
- Write your representatives or call them and express your concern. A suggested letter and links are provided on the website.
Oregon U.S. Representatives
David Wu |
Greg Walden |
Earl Blumenauer |
Peter DeFazio |
Darlene Hooley |
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