Middle-east Arab News Opinion | Asharq Al-awsat

Saudi Gitmo Detainee Accuses US Authorities of Poisoning | ASHARQ AL-AWSAT English Archive 2005 -2017
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Dubai, Asharq Al-Awsat- A Saudi detainee at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, has accused US authorities of poisoning him by giving contaminated blood during transfusions and called in his lawyers to intervene to alleviate his suffering.

In a hand-written letter to his lawyer, dated 12 June 2006, Jumaa al Dossari, said his psychological state was worsening. “I do not think I can go on for much longer. I feel very bad and feel that my end is near.” He pleaded with his lawyer, Joshua Colangelo Brian, to visit him at the US detention center. “I beg you, please do something, I am dying.”

According to his lawyer, al Dossari, aged 32, attempted to take his own life 13 times during his five years in the Cuba, the last if which occurred in March, when he slashed his wrists. In a previous letter, al Dossari said he would try to commit suicide again.

Nabil Rajab, a human rights activist and member of the legal team representing al Dossari, told Asharq al Awsat he was very worried about his client’s well-being and feared he would attempt to take his life again.

In his letter, al Dossari accused the US authorities of poisoning him and giving him contaminated blood. “After my last suicide attempt, they gave me blood. I felt very strange and after blood tests, they told me I have contracted blood diseases. I urge you to inform my government of this and tell the media of my situation. I hope my government sends a medical team to check on my condition.”

Last month, the US authorities announced the suicide of three detainees in Guantanamo Bay, two Saudis and a Yemeni, but their families have rejected this.