October, 29 2010, 01:16pm EDT
First Guantanamo Detainee Before Inter-American Commission on Human Rights Given Hearing Today
Attorneys from CCR and CEJIL Say Djamel Ameziane is an Excellent Candidate for Resettlement
WASHINGTON
Today, Mr. Djamel Ameziane, the first individual detained at
Guantanamo to file a petition with the Inter-American Commission on
Human Rights, was granted a hearing to determine whether his petition
will be heard by the international body. Mr. Ameziane filed his petition
with the Commission in August 2008 to challenge his years-long
detention without charge at Guantanamo and his risk of forcible
repatriation to his native Algeria, where he fears persecution and
torture. While the Commission promptly issued urgent protective measures
to prevent his transfer from Guantanamo to any country where he would
likely face persecution or torture, Mr. Ameziane remains at risk. Mr.
Ameziane's indefinite detention and risk of transfer to torture will end
only when a third country comes forward to offer him a safe haven.
"Mr. Ameziane is an ideal resettlement candidate. He is
college-educated, speaks several languages including French and English,
and loves to draw and paint, read mystery novels, cook and play soccer.
He is healthy and hopeful, and dreams of rebuilding and enjoying a
quiet life in freedom," said J. Wells Dixon, Senior Staff Attorney at the Center for Constitutional Rights (CCR). "If one country in Latin America offers safe resettlement to this one man, we will be one step closer to closing Guantanamo."
college-educated, speaks several languages including French and English,
and loves to draw and paint, read mystery novels, cook and play soccer.
He is healthy and hopeful, and dreams of rebuilding and enjoying a
quiet life in freedom," said J. Wells Dixon, Senior Staff Attorney at the Center for Constitutional Rights (CCR). "If one country in Latin America offers safe resettlement to this one man, we will be one step closer to closing Guantanamo."
Viviana Krsticevic, Executive Director for the Center for Justice and International law (CEJIL) added,
"Djamel Ameziane has been detained in Guantanamo for over eight years
without charges. Guantanamo has become a shameful symbol of impunity.
Now is the time for the United States to seriously commit to closing
Guantanamo."
"Djamel Ameziane has been detained in Guantanamo for over eight years
without charges. Guantanamo has become a shameful symbol of impunity.
Now is the time for the United States to seriously commit to closing
Guantanamo."
Djamel Ameziane is appealing to the international community to
offer him protection and the chance to rebuild his life in safety.
offer him protection and the chance to rebuild his life in safety.
For more information on CCR's work with Mr. Ameziane and documents relating to his IACHR case, visit the Ameziane v. Obama and Ameziane v. United States case page.
The Center for Constitutional Rights is dedicated to advancing and protecting the rights guaranteed by the United States Constitution and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. CCR is committed to the creative use of law as a positive force for social change.
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