Positional Statement

23rd December 2007

Guantanamo Latest Releases Insufficient

The latest releases by the United States, of three British residents who had been held captive at Guantanamo’s dentention centre, is a welcome but insufficient step in the right direction. Along with most British people, leading campaign groups and lawyers, the Islamic Society of Britain agrees the detention centre is illegal. It is an incredible abuse of power and its continued existence further damages the trust essential to building bridges of mutual respect and harmony across peoples and nations.

The captives do not know why they have been held, and have suffered gross injustice and torture for nearly 2,000 days. ‘Guantanamo’ epitomises the worst aspects of civil society - the utter degradation of the Rule of Law and of the civil liberties that men and women, many Muslims included, have sacrificed their lives to protect.

All those innocently held should be released without delay and fully compensated. Those who are suspected criminals should be brought to justice.

Islamic Society of Britain

Central Office
London E1

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