Screening of 'Outside the Law: Stories from Guantanamo' January 18, 2010

One of President Obama's first acts in office was to announce the eventual closing of the U.S. military prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. While Obama called for this to happen in one year, the U.S. has been so slow to act as to extend the deadline possibly into 2011. Some in Congress - and not just the right wing - have raised loud voices in opposition, and our government has sat on its hands wondering what to do with the prisoners, as if they, confirmed terrorists or not, are capable of breaking out of a high-security facility and wreaking havoc, simply because they were held in Guantanamo.

To address the Guantanamo stigma, and more importantly to point out how the Bush administration flouted domestic and international law to advance it, British filmmakers Polly Nash and Andy Worthington have put out a new documentary film called "Outside the Law: Stories from Guantanamo."

The film focuses on three prisoners, two of whom have been released and one of whom is still there. Their stories show how the U.S. military rounded up prisoners without adequate screening - often for large bounty payments - when some of them may have been in Afghanistan or Pakistan for reasons far removed from militancy or terrorism. Now many prisoners are held without formal charge under the nebulous category of "illegal enemy combatants", and without habeas corpus rights. The film, according to the web site, "provides a powerful rebuke to the myth that Guantanamo holds 'the worst of the worst.'" Torture, including extraordinary rendition and secret prisons, is another subject the film deals with.

"Outside the Law: Stories from Guantanamo" is sure to raise thoughts about the indiscretions of the Bush administration, while arriving at the sense of responsibility now with Obama to try to prevent these stories from continuing.

Admission is free and the event is wheelchair accessible. There will be wine, cheese and dessert on hand.

Official Website: http://www.sanmateopeaceaction.org