Tortured as a child in U.S. custody‏

Tortured as a child in U.S. custody‏


Omar Khadr, a Canadian national, has been in U.S. custody since age 15. After years of torture and abuse, he now faces an unfair trial by military commission at Guantánamo.
Urge President Obama to drop military commission proceedings against Omar Khadr and ensure a fair trial or release.

Omar Khadr, a Canadian national, has grown up in Guantánamo quite literally. He was detained as a child at the age of 15 and has endured torture and abuse since being held in U.S. custody.

As if torture and abuse weren't enough, now Omar Khadr must stand trial before Guantánamo's unfair military commissions - a system that President Obama himself has denounced as being unconstitutional. In fact, on the campaign trail the President said that military commissions were too flawed to fix, but last year, he worked with Congress to tweak and revive them.

Stop military commission proceedings for Omar Khadr and ensure his fair trial or release.

There is something so clearly wrong with this system of justice because even if Khadr is acquitted by the military commission - which is a long shot - he could still be returned to detention indefinitely.
15 and detained at Guantánamo

The situation grows grimmer for Khadr now that Canada has turned its back on him. Just last week, the government of Canada punted responsibility when they appealed a Canadian judge's previous ruling that the country must act to protect Khadr's rights.

For 8 years now, Khadr has been denied basic legal rights as well as special rights afforded to children under international law. Canada's decision to absolve itself of the situation is disappointing to say the least.

That's why President Obama is Omar Khadr's last hope. He is the only one who has the power to stop this sham trial, repatriate Khadr to Canada, or ensure his fair trial in civilian court.

Remind President Obama of his promise to reject military commissions and restore human rights at Guantánamo.

We have seen justice become reality for other Guantánamo detainees. Earlier this month, your messages helped send Mohammed al-Odaini, another young man who had been held without charge or trial for more than 8 years at Guantánamo, back home.

Just as the odds were stacked against Mohammed then, they are stacked against Omar now and he needs your support.

Please don't let someone who was tortured as a child be unfairly tried as an adult. Stop the injustice now.

(Source: Amnesty USA)