An Afghan national in US military prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, is on hunger strike since nearly three weeks ago as he protests his ongoing detention.
Publish dateTuesday 11 August 2020 - 11:59
Story Code : 216525
Asadullah Haroon is being held in Guantanamo Bay prison for around 14 years, but his family members and his lawyer say his crime is not proven so far.
“My son would die if he continues to avoid eating or drinking. I urge US leaders to immediately release him as he is innocent,” Asadullah’s mother said.
Asadullah’s family lives in an old house in a refugees camp in south of Peshawar city.
His only child, a girl, was 9-years-old when Asadullah was captured.
Asadullah’s father condemned his hunger strike, but backed called for hisrelease saying he was innocent.
“My father’s hunger strike has added to our worries,” Asadullah’s daughter said. “His life is in danger. We call on Afghan authorities and international rights organizations to help release my father.”
David Nicholl, a consultant neurologist and human rights activist, said that Asadullah has lost 20 pounds on weight.
“There are concerns that he may be under force-fed as others have been done in Guantanamo, and this troubles me,” Nicholl said. “It is really vital that we respect Asadullah Haroon’s views but also understand why he is going on the protest.”
Nearly 220 Afghan nationals were sent to Guantanamo Bay prison after being detained in Afghanistan and Pakistan following the fall of Taliban regime in 2001.
Lal Gul Lal, head ofAfghanistanHuman Rights Organization, said that there are now two Afghan nationals in Guantanamo prison.
He said that Asadullah Haroon is accused of being a member of Hizb-i-Islami, but he said that no evidence has been presented to prove he is guilty.
Gran Hewad, a spokesman for Afghan Foreign Ministry, said that Afghan embassy in US is pursuing the issue of release of the detainee with the US government.
“My son would die if he continues to avoid eating or drinking. I urge US leaders to immediately release him as he is innocent,” Asadullah’s mother said.
Asadullah’s family lives in an old house in a refugees camp in south of Peshawar city.
His only child, a girl, was 9-years-old when Asadullah was captured.
Asadullah’s father condemned his hunger strike, but backed called for hisrelease saying he was innocent.
“My father’s hunger strike has added to our worries,” Asadullah’s daughter said. “His life is in danger. We call on Afghan authorities and international rights organizations to help release my father.”
David Nicholl, a consultant neurologist and human rights activist, said that Asadullah has lost 20 pounds on weight.
“There are concerns that he may be under force-fed as others have been done in Guantanamo, and this troubles me,” Nicholl said. “It is really vital that we respect Asadullah Haroon’s views but also understand why he is going on the protest.”
Nearly 220 Afghan nationals were sent to Guantanamo Bay prison after being detained in Afghanistan and Pakistan following the fall of Taliban regime in 2001.
Lal Gul Lal, head ofAfghanistanHuman Rights Organization, said that there are now two Afghan nationals in Guantanamo prison.
He said that Asadullah Haroon is accused of being a member of Hizb-i-Islami, but he said that no evidence has been presented to prove he is guilty.
Gran Hewad, a spokesman for Afghan Foreign Ministry, said that Afghan embassy in US is pursuing the issue of release of the detainee with the US government.
Source : Afghan Voce Agency(AVA)
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