North Carolinians gathered at the U.S. Federal Building in downtown Raleigh today to call for the immediate closure of Guantanamo. About 50 people held signs and banners and responded to the many supportive honks of passing motorists.
Christina Cowger of NC Stop Torture Now reminded the crowd of the shameful purpose and history of the Guantanamo prison. She called ostentatious cruelty the main motive behind the current practice of sending immigrants there, and urged people to contact elected leaders and donate to the Guantanamo Survivors Fund.
Iliana Santillan of Brava NC described the fear that immigrants are living with daily, and the horror of families when a member is snatched by ICE and doesn’t come home. She asked rally-goers to continue standing with immigrants against repression.
State Rep. Marcia Morey of Durham thanked the crowd for standing up against torture and arbitrary detention. She echoed the need to assertively oppose repression by federal forces.
Craig Waleed of Unlock the Box talked about the torture that is long-term solitary confinement and asked rally participants to help end that practice, and also block a proposed return to executions in North Carolina.
The Raging Grannies gave voice to the crowd’s outrage with three timely songs about torture, immigrant abuse, and war.
