The Twenty-two Year Old Guantanamo Outrage

Photos: Leon Kunstenaar / Pro Bono Photo

(San Francisco, June 5) - You don't have to be a Republican to be contemptuous of notions of the rule of law and due process that are supposed to guide our republic. Neither Democratic Presidents Biden or Obama have closed the outrage that is the off-shore (supposedly not subject to US law) Guantanamo prison.

Commuters were reminded of this as they crossed Harry Bridges Plaza. A large "Close Guantanamo" banner draped the steps to one of the plaza's towers and several protesters in orange prisoner garb handed out leaflets. Photos of prisoners were displayed. Several passers-by were interested and there was the usual supportive honking from passing cars.

After being held and tortured for twenty two years and without legal representation, eleven Yemeni prisoners were supposed to be resettled in Oman in October 2023. The White House (i.e. Biden) has suspended the transfer due to congressional concerns about Middle East "instability." Again, an example of Biden's disregard of due process.

Perhaps, this is what can be expected from a President that actively supports Israel's final solution to its Palestine problem.

Don't forget the "Red Line" protest in front of Sen Padilla's office at 333 Bush Street and then at the Israeli Consulate tomorrow, starting at noon tomorrow.

See all high resolution photos here.