August 29, 2013, New York – In response to the announcement today that the United States has transferred two men from the prison at Guantánamo Bay to Algeria, the Center for Constitutional Rights (CCR) issued the following statement:
We welcome the resumption of voluntary transfers from Guantánamo. This is an important step towards closing the prison, and demonstrates that the president indeed has the authority to continue transferring prisoners. Such steps must continue until this shameful chapter in our nation’s history has ended once and for all. Meanwhile, Algeria must treat the two men who have been transferred there humanely, and the United States should not forcibly repatriate anyone who fears persecution, including CCR’s client Djamel Ameziane.
CCR has led the legal battle over Guantánamo for the last 10 years – representing clients in two Supreme Court cases and organizing and coordinating hundreds of pro bono lawyers across the country to represent the men at Guantánamo, ensuring that nearly all have the option of legal representation. Among other Guantánamo cases, the Center represents the families of men who died at Guantánamo, and men who have been released and are seeking justice in international courts. In addition, CCR has been working through diplomatic channels to resettle men who remain at Guantánamo because they cannot return to their country of origin for fear of persecution and torture.
The Center for Constitutional Rights works with communities under threat to fight for justice and liberation through litigation, advocacy, and strategic communications. Since 1966, the Center for Constitutional Rights has taken on oppressive systems of power, including structural racism, gender oppression, economic inequity, and governmental overreach. Learn more at ccrjustice.org.
Last modified
January 3, 2014