Defence of Human Rights Pakistan Urges All Human Rights Organizations to Play Their Role in Convening the Immediate Release of Gauntanamo Detainees

Abdul Raheem son of Ghulam Rabbani is one of the eight Gauntanamo detainees so far left in Gauntanamo, belonging to Pakistan. He was a business man in Karachi when he and his brother both were picked up on 9/11 2002 and handed over to the U.S since then they are languishing in the Cuban island prison called Gauntanamo.

Recently Abdul Raheem’s Brother Ahmad alias Badar was allowed to call home and told Abdul Raheem’s wife Malika that pray for your husband’s life. He may not live due to torture done to him. Malika is helplessly crying and wailing since then. Malika is a tuberculousis patient and a mother of two sons, whose husband is forcefully separated from her for the last 7 years.

Defence of Human Rights appeals to all the Human Rights organisations of the world, to the U.S Government and to special envoy to Pakistan Mr. Richard Hollbrook for immediate intervention into this case on Humanitarian grounds. After Obama-administration took oath, Defence of Human Rights has been very hopeful, regarding solution of Human Rights issues in the US and Pakistan both. There were very good and positive orders that CIA detentions will be closed down, Gauntanamo Bay Prison will close down and there will be “No Torture” policy implemented in interrogation methods. But on the other hand “Torture” occurring recently on helpless Gauntanamo detainee is a shocking violation of Human Rights, raising many questions.

The Government of Pakistan should also play its role and demand immediate repatriation of all Pakistani prisoners on the US soil, making use of every possible diplomatic and legal channel. It should be appreciated that Gauntanamo will be closed down for good, but the point must be stressed that the detainees suffering in them, without any trial must be respected and well taken care off according to Geneva Conventions, till the they are sent back home to Pakistan.

Defence of Human Rights Pakistan fears for life and safety of many valuable citizens of Pakistan. Against whom nothing is proven yet they continue to suffer thousands of miles away from their home, without Justice and Fair trial. They are being physically and mentally tortured beyond the protection of all Laws of the world. Saif Ullah Parach, Uzair Paracha, Dr. Aafia Siddiqui, Abdul Raheem, Ahmed and Majid Khan are some of these prisoners currently held in the US custody on the US soil. Defence of Human Rights Pakistan hopes from Obama-administration that all Pakistani detainees are immediately and safely repatriated to Pakistan in good health and sound mental balance.

Mrs. Amina Masood Janjua

Chairperson

Defence of Human Rights Pakistan

Press Release: 9^th April, 09