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Jean Lambert London's Green MEP

London MEP calls on US to close Guantanamo – 12 years after infamous prison camp opened

ShakerFamily_March201313/01/2014 London’s Green MEP Jean Lambert has called on the US to close Guantanamo Bay – 12 years after the infamous prison camp opened.

In a message supporting a protest organised by the London Guantanamo Campaign, Ms Lambert (pictured with members of the family of London resiedent Shaker Aamer) said: I’m very sorry I cannot be with you today, but I am in Athens speaking on the health-care crisis in Greece – another avoidable tragedy.

This is the 12th year of the existence of Guantanamo. Every year, we mark the anniversary hoping it will be the last time. Hoping that those still detained there will be released or charged and that those charged will be tried in a public, civil court where all the evidence can be heard and tested.

The fact that Guantanamo remains open is a stain on the human rights record of the United States. President Obama must fulfil his pledge to close the camp.

I welcome the recent, small progress. I welcome the decision of the Slovakian Government to take 3 Uighur detainees and wish more EU governments would take such action, as the European Parliament has repeatedly demanded.

The UK still has to bring Shaker Aamer home to his family in London. I still cannot understand why this has not happened – he has been cleared for transfer, he has not been charged – he should be here with those who love him.

Today’s demonstration is important. It shows that those held in Guantanamo are not forgotten and that there are people who believe that international law must be upheld and that human rights must be respected. Guantanamo must close.