Today was launch day for the Portland, Maine leg of the AIUSA National Cell Tour. After months of planning, building coalitions, & outreach for publicity purposes I would say we had a successful 1st day. As of 4:00PM we have had almost 300 individuals experience a small glimpse of the kind of living conditions that exists for hundreds of people at Guantanamo - Many of those who have approached the cell and have sought further information on AI’s Denounce Torture Campaign appear to be generally interested in learning more about this issue. I have heard many comments rooted in curiosity about why would the US -a country that prides itself on freedoms and civility would participate in such ruthless practices.
The high light of my day was when a group of 6 young Somali teenage girls , dressed in hajibs, came to visit the cell because they had heard about this exhibit and wanted to see for themselves what many of their “Muslim brothers” have and continue to experience.
As a long time staff person of AIUSA an experience like today is a true testimony to the importance of grassroots organizing. Without the leadership and support of our Local AI Maine Group 705 this would not have been possible.
Cynthia Gabriel
