Rattling the cage exhibition on the save-omar campaign, 7 - 21 Mar, 11 - 5pm

At the Phoenix Gallery, 10-14 Waterloo Place, Brighton. A community archive of documents, textiles, photography and film used in the save Omar campaign ...mre info and exhibition-related events

A personal account from Michael Bentley 02/09

My partner Angie and I live in Eastbourne, so we hadn’t been directly involved with the Save Omar Campaign... more

the campaign continues 05/08

Save Omar began as a group of Brighton people who got together to campaign for the release of Guantanamo detainee... more

Omar is free 06/03/08

reprieve press release - guardian story - Argus: Omar's relief
Omar Deghayes is finally free. He was held in Guantanamo Bay for five years and when returned to Britain in December 2007, he was re-arrested, tagged and subject to a curfew while Spain began extradition proceedings. On 6th March 2008, Spanish authorities dropped the case against him and another former Guantanamo detainee, Jamil el-Banna.

Save Omar activists, who had worked together for three years for Omar’s release, celebrated this victory but vowed to continue working for the release of all detainees and the closure of Guantanamo.

Jackie Chase, spokesperson for Save Omar campaign stated:
"We're delighted to hear that the Spanish authorities have seen sense and decided not to pursue this extradition request any further."
"Everybody should now be satisfied these men pose no threat whatsoever. Omar and Jamil should be left in peace to get on with their lives—although they will always bear the scars of the crimes committed against them."
"This whole case has highlighted how wrong it is to disregard standards of human rights and allow people to be detained without charge and subjected to torture and other appalling practices."
"We need to stand up and demand they shut down Guantanamo Bay, Belmarsh and the whole network of secret CIA torture camps around the world."
Zohra Zewawi, Mr Deghayes' mother, said: "I am so happy, I cannot explain how I am feeling."
"My feelings are very very strong, I cannot find the words to say. I am sure I can relax more and I feel he will be here to stay."
Omar Deghayes stated: “Thank you for the support I received while was in Guantanamo. I am amazed by people’s commitment to me and to opposing the Guantanamo regime. Since I have been home those still there are always on my mind.”

Thank you from Omar

On 31 Dec 2007, Omar wrote to Brighton’s local newspaper, The Argus, which had run its own campaign to free him. This is the text of his letter:

"I am writing to thank you for the continued support you showed me throughout the years I was locked away in Guantanamo Bay. I was amazed by the support I received from the people of Brighton and the readers of The Argus. I hope you continue to help free the people left in Cuba, and help close that ugly place. The compassion that was shown by people in Brighton and across the UK, and also people in Ireland and Denmark was overwhelming. Recently, I was speaking to an American friend of mine who said admiringly that Brighton should be made an elected haven of peace, compassion, care and asylum for people in need. I totally agree. All the best.

Omar Deghayes."

Activists' stories of Omar's return to Britain

Amy's story
Earlier that day, at work, I discovered that Omar Deghayes had been released from Guantanamo bay and had boarded a plane for the UK where he would soon be reunited with his family in Saltdean. Overjoyed, I went along to the Save Omar meeting with my friend Stuart who was hoping to get a few interviews with some of the campaigners... more

Assumpcio’s Story
I was teaching when I got two text messages to explain that Omar was already on the plane home and on his way to the UK. One of the messages was also announcing that in the evening, there would be one of the Save Omar campaign’s meetings. I went to that meeting... more