Independent medical experts from the United States and Britain, reviewing recent conversations with the detained Al Jazeera cameraman Sami al Haj, reveal that his mental state has deteriorated severely and he is in desperate need of medical attention. Based on recent comments from Sami, noted experts believe that he is suffering from severe depression, and characterize him as “passively suicidal.” According to reports, Sami believes that he has nothing to live for.
Sami has been detained in Guantanamo Bay since January 7, 2002, without any charges, any legal means to defend himself or information on when he will be released. Being held in the legal black hole known as Guantanamo Bay has taken a serious toll on Sami and on Sami’s wife and his young son.
D.L. Creson MD, a mental health professional with extensive experience working with prisoners in the United States, Bosnia, East Timor, Sierra Leone and Afghanistan, stated, “He, in my opinion, fits into a sub-category of severe depression often seen in complex emergencies where an individual has given up all hope; where nothing remains relevant to survival.” While describing Sami’s deteriorating condition, Dr. Creson elaborated, “ the marked change in attitude that was noted and the description of Mr. al Haj’s current behaviour suggests to me that Mr. al Haj no longer has the ability to cope with his relentlessly traumatic environment and is in the process of withdrawing into himself; in effect, he is becoming a case of passive suicide.”
Similarly, Hugh Rickards, MD, a noted consultant in Neuropsychiatry, suggested that Sami may be facing the onset of a mental disorder as a result of his indefinite detention and seemingly never-ending ordeal. In conclusion, Dr. Rickards states, “His (Sami al Haj) state of mind requires assessment and possible treatment from a qualified and experienced psychiatrist, which I understand Mr. Al-Haj is not receiving. Although I have not met or examined Mr. Al-Haj personally, the level of his mental suffering appears so acute that it is my duty as a medical practitioner to put this in writing to ensure appropriate assessment and treatment.” Given the apparent deterioration of Sami’s mental state, and his obvious anguish, the Al Jazeera Network would like to appeal to the U.S. administration and military to conform to international human rights standards and to provide medical attention for Sami.
Wadah Khanfar, the Director General of the Al Jazeera Network stated: “Our colleague Sami has been in detention now for almost six years without any charges and is suffering greatly from this unfair and illegal detention – we demand the U.S. officials to release him immediately. Al Jazeera continues to stand by Sami and this just cause.”
Sami, originally from Sudan, was captured while filming a news story in Afghanistan for Al Jazeera. To protest his indefinite detention without charges, Sami has been on hunger strike for almost one year. Support the campaign to free Sami from Guantanamo Bay.
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