Theaters Against War Hosts 'No Guantanamos at Home or Abroad' Vigils for Fahad, 10/19

Theaters Against War (THAW) is launching a new initiative to expose the current effects of the "war on terror" in eroding human rights and civil liberties here in the US.  In a call out to artists, activists and the general public, the organization will be hosting the initiative, 'No Guantanamos at Home or Abroad,' a series of vigils beginning Monday, October 19 from 6 - 7pm and every Monday thereafter at the Metropolitan Correctional Center at 150 Park Row (at Pearl Street) in lower Manhattan, a federal penitentiary that has been mirroring many of the abusive practices detainees face at Guantanamo upon actual American citizens according to THAW.

According to THAW's website, the inspiration for the vigils is a peaceful protest against the detainment and treatment of Brooklyn College graduate, New York native, and US citizen Syed Fahad Hashmi ("Fahad") at the MCC for two years.  Fahad was taken into custody after reportedly hosting an acquaintance who had a suitcase full of waterproof socks and rain ponchos that is alleged to have been delivered to a member of Al Qaeda.  This same acquaintance allegedly used Fahad's cell phone to call co-conspirators. Fahad has been held for more than two years in solitary confinement at the MCC.  THAW's website states "His cell is electronically monitored inside and out, so he showers and goes to the bathroom in constant view of the camera. He is allowed only one hour "out" of his cell a day to "exercise" in a solitary cage that is directly attached to his cell room - a right which he is often denied by prison guards. Additionally, under the claim of "national security", much of the evidence against Fahad has been labeled "classified" which means - in a horrifying desecration of due process, one of the most basic elements of fair trial rules respected universally - Fahad won't be allowed to see the evidence against him. A fair trial under these circumstances seems impossible and we all wonder how this could be happening in the United States."

Reportedly, actors Kathleen Chalfant and Wallace Shawn are set to participate in Monday's first vigil. For more information, visit http://www.thawaction.org/.