Child of Guantánamo Detainee Pleads With Blair

Dear Mr Tony Blair,

Firstly, how are you? I sent a letter two years ago, why didn't you reply?!? I was waiting for a long time but you did not reply. Please can you give me an answer to my question? Why is my dad in prison? Why is he far away in that Guantánamo. Bay?! I miss my dad so much. I have not seen my dad for three years. I know my dad has not done anything, because he is a good man. I hear everybody speak about my dad in a nice way. Your children spend Christmas with you, but me and my brothers, and sisters have spent Eid alone without our dad for 3 years. What do you think about that?

I hope you will answer me this time.

Thank you,

Anas Jamil al-Banna

9 years old

Anas al-Banna, son of Jamil al-Banna, UK resident, Guantánamo detainee.

Amnesty International, “Guantánamo: Lives torn apart – The impact of indefinite detention on detainees and their families,” 6 February 2006.