We support President Obama's executive order to close the Guantanamo prison. But it must be closed not just on paper, but in reality. After seven years of detaining hundreds of men without trial, a one year timeline for closing Guantanamo is unacceptable. For the over 70 men currently on hunger strike in Guantanamo, it has been seven years too long. We want justice now.

Witness Against Torture announces a campaign to close the U.S. detention facilities at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and end torture and rendition by the U.S. within the first 100 days of the new administration. With Barack Obama taking office, we have a historic opportunity to reverse the disastrous policies of the last eight years.

During the first 100 days of the Obama administration we are holding a daily vigil 11am-1pm, Monday-Friday, meeting in Lafayette Park.

We're also maintaining a schedule of other activities:

• Mondays – Film & Discussion series @ various DC venue(s)
• Tuesdays – Speaking with Members of Congress on Guantánamo, torture, and U.S. policy on human rights
• Wednesdays – Speakers Series @ various DC Venue(s)
• Thursdays – Creative Action (civil resistance, street theatre, etc..)
• Fridays – open

The 100 Days Campaign is a daily, sustained, physical presence across from the White House and a weekly schedule of Executive and Congressional education, public teach-ins and film screenings, fasting, prayer and vigiling, direct action and public pressure throughout the first 100 days of the new administration.

Why a 100 Days Campaign?

Ever since Franklin D. Roosevelt became President in 1933, setting a new
standard for action and imagination in his first 100 days in office, the
American people have watched closely the first 100 days of all new
presidents. Numerous pundits have pointed out that-- not unlike FDR--
Barack Obama will enter the White House as the nation faces many crises.

100 Days More is 100 Days Too Long

After seven years of detaining hundreds of men without trial, 100 days
more is 100 days too long. We go to Washington with high hopes that
President Obama will close Guantanamo on his first day in office. But
if he does not, we will stand vigil for 100 days as a reminder of his
promise, and a reminder of those seven years of torture and indefinite
detention carried out in our names.

Closing Guantanamo: Step 1

Seventeen Uighurs (WEE-gurs, an ethnic Muslim group in China) are held in Guantanamo. With most cleared for release since 2003, the U.S. government conceded in 2008 that none are enemy combatants. Uighurs are heavily persecuted by the Chinese government, so they cannot be returned there, and other countries aren't taking them. We urge the President to release these innocent men to the only place they can be freed--the United States. Call President Obama (202-456-1111),thank him for his executive order closing Guantanamo, and ask f0r the prompt release of these seventeen men.

Powerful People Need to Be Pushed

We have learned another important lesson from history. Powerful people
need to be pushed. Journalist Bill Moyers recently recalled a meeting
between Martin Luther King Jr. and President Lyndon Johnson during the
civil rights movement. "LBJ listened" says Moyers, "as intently as I
ever saw him listen. He listened, and then he put his hand on Martin
Luther King's shoulder, and said-- in effect: 'OK. You go out there, Dr.
King and keep doing what you're doing, and make it possible for me to do
the right thing.'"

Wrong in Guantanamo, Wrong in Bagram

Bagram Air Base, a U.S. military base in Afghanistan, is home to a facility detaining over 600. Like in Guantanamo, people in Bagram have been held without trial or charge, some for years, and many have suffered brutal treatment, even torture. The U.S. now plans to expand Bagram to hold roughly 1,100 prisoners. Only with the transparency of court review will we know who is held at Bagram, for how long, and why. Bagram must be brought into compliance with U.S. and international law; we cannot allow this prison to become another Guantanamo.

Building Community

As individuals and communities join us from across the country, the 100
Days campaign will also be a fertile time to connect, strategize and
share. We are living in strange, rapidly changing times and the tendency
to detach and despair is strong. In addition to its political import, we
see the 100 Days campaign as an opportunity to build community and
experiment in truth together. Join us.