The Hon Bob Carr, Senator
Australian Government
Dear Foreign Minister
I am writing to you having just viewed the
following YouTube clip uploaded by the Guardian:
The Guardian, 'Yasiin Bey (aka Mos Def)
force fed under standard Guantánamo', Published on Jul 8, 2013
This video allegedly shows the methods used
to force feed detainees on hunger strike in Guantanamo Bay on a volunteer
(Yasiin Bey).
Could you please investigate if the United
States is using such methods against persons under US custody. If so could you in the strongest
diplomatic actions encourage the United States to cease such acts, which would
amount to torture.
I have recently been viewing acts of
torture of Chinese security on Tibetans following the 2008 resistance.
The footage from this YouTube clip is
deeply disturbing as it shows the end result of the inhuman treatment suffered
by Tendar, a Tibetan, who was allegedly subjected to beatings and torture by
Chinese security and was denied basic medical care” at the military
hospital. Tendar subsequently
died.
In context the actions of security
personnel of the United States and China are vastly different. However, if we cannot get the United
States to stop the inhuman practice of force feeding in the manner
demonstrated, how can we ever expect nations like China to change?
I ask that my concerns be investigated and
appropriate diplomatic action taken for both the situation in Guantanamo Bay
and the actions taken by Chinese security against Tibetan nationals, like
Tendar. Further I ask that you
please provide any updates on the outcome of your investigation and diplomatic
action.
Yours sincerely
Stewart Mills
