FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 20, 2014
CONTACT: Benny Witkovsky, West End Strategy Team
Office: (202) 776-7700; cell: (202) 765-4290; This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
WASHINGTON – Five Guantanamo detainees were resettled in Europe today, three in Georgia and two in Slovakia. Two prominent American faith leaders -Rev. Ron Stief, executive director of the National Religious Campaign Against Torture, and Diane Randall, executive secretary of the Friends Committee on National Legislation - released the following response:
Rev. Ron Stief, executive director of the National Religious Campaign Against Torture, said, “The reality of indefinite detention without charge or trial at Guantanamo is not only a moral problem for the U.S., it is an affront to all humanity. Georgia and Slovakia deserve thanks from U.S. citizens today. This act of humanity stands in stark contrast to our own country, which has refused to accept any Guantanamo detainees - including those who our government says are not a threat to anyone.”
Diane Randall, executive secretary of Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL) added, “We are pleased that Georgia and Slovakia have stepped forward to receive detainees from the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay. This action by Georgia and Slovakia moves us a few steps forward in closing Guantanamo Bay completely and ending the abusive practice of indefinite detention of 143 men who are still held in that facility. We call on our elected officials in the United States to provide the leadership necessary to expedite the closing of Guantanamo by accepting detainees in the United States.”
November 20, 2014
CONTACT: Benny Witkovsky, West End Strategy Team
Office: (202) 776-7700; cell: (202) 765-4290; This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Faith Leaders Praise Georgia and Slovakia For Humanitarian Global Leadership
WASHINGTON – Five Guantanamo detainees were resettled in Europe today, three in Georgia and two in Slovakia. Two prominent American faith leaders -Rev. Ron Stief, executive director of the National Religious Campaign Against Torture, and Diane Randall, executive secretary of the Friends Committee on National Legislation - released the following response:
Rev. Ron Stief, executive director of the National Religious Campaign Against Torture, said, “The reality of indefinite detention without charge or trial at Guantanamo is not only a moral problem for the U.S., it is an affront to all humanity. Georgia and Slovakia deserve thanks from U.S. citizens today. This act of humanity stands in stark contrast to our own country, which has refused to accept any Guantanamo detainees - including those who our government says are not a threat to anyone.”
Diane Randall, executive secretary of Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL) added, “We are pleased that Georgia and Slovakia have stepped forward to receive detainees from the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay. This action by Georgia and Slovakia moves us a few steps forward in closing Guantanamo Bay completely and ending the abusive practice of indefinite detention of 143 men who are still held in that facility. We call on our elected officials in the United States to provide the leadership necessary to expedite the closing of Guantanamo by accepting detainees in the United States.”
The National Religious Campaign Against Torture (NRCAT) is a membership organization committed to ending U.S.-sponsored torture, and cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment. Since its formation in January 2006, more than 300 religious organizations have joined NRCAT, including representatives from the Catholic, evangelical Christian, mainline Protestant, Unitarian Universalist, Quaker, Orthodox Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Baha’i, Buddhist, and Sikh communities. Members include national denominations and faith groups, regional organizations and local congregations.
NRCAT.org @NRCATtweets facebook.com/nrcat
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