Photo from Gitmo protest released

    As mentioned in yesterday’s “experiments with truth,” a number of the 17 Uighur prisoners in Guantanamo staged an impromptu protest for visiting journalists with signs that demanded their freedom. There was some doubt as to whether any of the photos taken would be cleared by the Department of Defense. But it appears as though at least one made it through.

    The military seemed to consider the occasion a good PR opportunity.

    ”As you can see, they are pretty much free men,” said a Navy chief who supervises sailors guarding the men at the half-acre compound. He called the protest ”their own doing,” and permitted a dozen reporters visiting the prison to film the signs.

    It’s hard to imagine calling anyone who’s been in Guantanamo for seven years a free man.  Just hours after that Navy chief spoke to reporters, a non-Uighur prisoner in another part of the Gitmo complex committed suicide. It was the first suicide at the detention center since Obama took office.



    Recent Stories

    • Feature

    A history of success drives the ongoing struggle to clean up Cancer Alley

    December 16, 2024

    Despite years of polluter pushback and environmental racism, Cancer Alley communities in Louisiana are still fighting for a healthier environment for everyone.

    • Feature

    Reproductive justice organizers in the South are finding new ways to help incarcerated mothers

    December 12, 2024

    In states where legislative solutions have hit roadblocks, reproductive justice advocates have found success with more direct methods of protecting the most vulnerable populations.

    • Analysis

    How a local housing campaign won pro-tenant reforms by recruiting homeowners

    December 6, 2024

    In North Carolina, Greensboro’s Keep Gate City Housed built a diverse coalition in support of pro-tenant policies by proving it was the best way to prevent homelessness.