Statement of Shaker Aamer (November 7, 2005)
I am dying here every day, mentally & physically. This is happening to all of us. We have been ignored, locked up in the middle of the ocean for four years. Rather than humiliate myself, having to beg for water in Camp Echo, I would rather hurry up a process that is going to happen anyway. It is a matter of religious belief and personal dignity.
I have got kidney problems from the filthy
yellow water. I have lung problems from the chemicals they spread all
over the floor. I am already arthritic at 40 because I sleep on a
steel bed, and they use freezing air conditioning as part of the
interrogation process. I have ruined eyes from the permanent, 24 hours [sic]
fluorescent lights. I have tintinitis in my ears from the perpetual
noise. I have skin diseases from chemicals and never being allowed to
see the sun. I have ulcers and almost permanent constipation from the
food. I have been made paranoid, so I can trust nobody (even my
lawyer) because the Americans play with my mind. I would just like to
die quietly, by myself.
I was once over 250 lbs. I dropped to
130 lbs in the hunger strike. In respect for Ramadan, I suspended my
protest. But on November 4, I must begin again. I want to join my
brothers who will then be on their 90th day. I want to make it easy on
everyone. I want no feeding, no forced tubes, no "help", no "intensive
assisted feeding". This is my legal right.
Shaker Aamer
7-11-2005