A Tale of two Guantanamos, Part 2: Mohamedou Ould Slahi

Bigger Than Five speaks with Mohamedou Ould Slahi, who spent 14 years in Guantanamo Bay prison. Now living in Mauritania, Slahi addresses his treatment at the prison and asks why the former Bush administration official who approved his torture has been nominated for a position at the US State Department monitoring human rights.
A portion of of this interview aired on Bigger Than Five Episode “Guantanamo Forever” on 10/2/2019.
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[@anakhan3150]

This man should sue the whole American system. This is insane.

[@Diamondraw4Real]

Ahmed Arar who is a Canadian tried to sue America but got nothing. Canada however paid him 10 million for the torture he had experienced after his illegal rendition to Syria at the behest of the US govt or CIA, whoever said he was a threat.

[@dinasun3]

This man is smart and sharp individual.He should be a part if international human rights orgs.

[@TheMrsAA]

Exactly! and also compensated for everything that he has lost 🥲🥲

[@miarena111]

in fact, he should lead them.

[@carlsmith3709]

Give this man some human dignity and rights!! Compensate him

[@treasirewealth4024]

Compensation

[@Diamondraw4Real]

America won't admit wrongdoing bc they know they would be paying millions to wronged Muslims or others.

[@treasirewealth4024]

@@Diamondraw4Real America is Europe and Spanish...go get your millions...I'm tired of getting beat downs behind a name called America...

[@nooruddinliew3423]

US Govt would say that this is a collateral damage. For US Govt the life of other people means nothing and can be sacrificed just like that. Millions of lives across the Globe were taken away by the US Govt. it’s very sad. Not all Americans are bad . Indeed to satisfy their evil intent and personal greed, the ordinary Americans are also collaterals to their evil leaders. It’s people like Bush, Rumsfeld,and Bush’s poodle Blair and those conspirators who are evil. Whatever it is - they plan and Allah also plans...

[@naziihahhusanee1908]

what they did to those prisoners is nothing to their compensation and its the American who have no dignity

[@justted5546]

How many people are here after watching the movie "the Mauritanian"

[@naolflips6193]

please can you share the link. I want to watch the movie. Thank you

[@Diamondraw4Real]

No i havent seen it yet. But thanks for reminding me.

[@Diamondraw4Real]

@@naolflips6193 you have The Stranger audiobook in your playlists 👍 its the French writer right?

[@fakhruddinhashmi6280]

No one.

[@Baba-so6fh]

@@naolflips6193 It’s on Amazon Prime Video and I’m sure it’s elsewhere too

[@bouh1979nktt]

the fact that this guy still even keep his cool its amazing !!

[@esthellakomerl8084]

I haven't watched it yet.. but watching this because of knowing about the movie

[@risingsun82]

Because his a true Muslim soul

[@MrBobconner1952]

Mr Slahi. A very fascinating recount of a horrendous time of your life. I bought and read multiple times "Guantanamo Diary" the day it was released. Despite all the redacting, the message came through loud and clear. You and those like you being wrongfully held - Safiq Rasool, and Ruhal Ahmed, Moazzam Begg, etc.. are owed a huge apology for the way you were treated and the years of life lost to you due to the rage of our government. As a U.S. citizen, the entire post 9/11 era and the horrendous treatment of fellow human beings by our government is a shameful, infuriating era in our history. The dirt and blood on our hands will be judged very harshly and with a very hot light, by history's eyes. I am truly sorry you experienced what you did and I am embarrassed by the actions of our nation in their disregard for your humanity. I, like you, fear that Donald Trump, in his absolute ignorance, extreme narcissism, and utter disdain for those not pasty white and rich will result in further hardships for many, many more Muslims, Hindus, Mexicans, Africans, etc.... I can't understand why those who installed and carried out torture don't/can't foresee the inevitable blowback - the U.S. Government being rendered voiceless in the event that our military personnel and/or citizens are tortured in kind will, through their own behavior, have NO recourse, for they've established an precedence that the Geneva Conventions are powerless. The Bush Administration established a terrifying precedent, ignoring decency and the Geneva Conventions in the "Brumsfeld, Cheney and Yoo way".

[@Jack-eo5fn]

@@treasirewealth4024, so is this the way you always experience your life? Then you are a terrified man whose only response to life’s unexpected elements is to react and fight instead of intellectually challenging false information. This is tragic for you.

[@treasirewealth4024]

@@Jack-eo5fn I am not a male for 1, 2 You have the wrong idea in your head about what is going on. Please stay in your lane with your kind and don't try to extend yourself beyond your ability.

[@Jack-eo5fn]

@@treasirewealth4024, can you tell me why you think I “have the wrong idea in my head about what is going on”? What do you personally think is going on here, and why do you believe your view is so accurate and should not be challenged?

[@arkirace2583]

BOB CONNER MY RESPECT TO YOU BROTHER.

[@sheshahayat5117]

Indeed & they should be running Human rights organisations,,, @Bob Conner please look up for Dr Afia Siddiki also,,, Her story is too much to stomach, only woman kept in that Guantanamo Hell. Still being raped & tortured in American torture cells from 2001 onwards...

[@cesaroicani]

Eleven years without a charge knowing that the man is innocent? What a shame on the USA authorities!

[@_..aj.._]

the nerve of the USA to meddle with only seemingly human rights violations in other countries when they themselves are inhumane..

[@justinleclairabdullahqasim117]

Ameen brother you are a beautiful human being, deserving love and integrity. We will not tell you what perhaps you already know but justice is with Allah, your heart for those who cannot defend themselves is admirable and although you were mistreated your heart remains good intentioned. Masha'Allah

[@mdsign001]

"Land of the free, home of the brave" ... still runs Guantanamo to this day.

[@Stoney-Jacksman]

Of which Obama said that he would close. But people forget what doesnt necessarily involve themselves. So Obama is still seen as a hero. Presidents are just puppets for the power of money/elite. This is not a conspiracy, just logic.

[@EmruAlqais]

*I call it "Home of the son of a gun Coward with a Gun" human rights means to abduct free innocent people and throw them in hell of torture behind bars for decades and sometimes for a half-century*

[@revolutionnow5227]

This man has such a pure heart . Wow . I would have extreme hate if I was him but his so humble. Bless him

[@danielabisenius9858]

I envy your strength. No human being should endure what you’ve endured, and yet you have so much love in you! I love you and adore you! May Allah protect you and your family.

[@samsamsheikh9497]

Ameen 😭😭😭😭

[@afaqjabbar8800]

There is a reason he had memorised the Whole Quran Pak.

[@jennymedley3860]

I hope this gentle, humble man can see his child again soon. He deserves an apology from the U. S. Government

[@elal5176]

And compensation for 15 yrs of his life behind bars

[@treintaydiez]

an "apology"?!

[@Diamondraw4Real]

@@treintaydiez America won't apologize bc if they admit wrongdoing they know they will have to pay millions of dollars to any and all victims who can prove they were innocent. America kept ppl in blacksites without trial bc they enjoyed it. Not bc they thought Muslims were guilty of terrorism. Thats my opinion.

[@TheGrassbaba]

@@Diamondraw4Real america is the only developed third world country in the world .

[@siddicqyadallee4700]

This man suffered a lot and deserved to be compensated, he still have his dignity and be a spoke person for human right.

[@rabuanmantine8522]

Magnanimous person who is strong and staying true to himself

[@zubairyousafzai9185]

This man deserve to be the head of international Human rights council

[@greencagar1355]

Every wronged soul will get its justice when the Day of Recompense Arrives. Just be patient for a while. It is the responsibility of everyone of us to do what is right even if it against your own kinship.

[@krishar4014]

Anybody who still believe US democracy, Equal rights and freedom are foolish

[@janmartin7430]

Shocking story! Makes me sad the injustice which rules in this world😢

[@Labgorilla]

This story just says it all really. What a waste of a life, a waste of intelligence time and a waste of money. I seriously hope that he is compensated for the ridiculous treatment.

[@elal5176]

Waste of taxpayers money!!

[@Diamondraw4Real]

Its useless they won't compensate anyone. Ahmed Arar got 10 million from the Canadian government but the USA gave him nothing and wouldn't apologize bc they knew if they admit wrongdoing that would be opening the floodgates to a great number of lawsuits. They just say they didn't do anything wrong 😬

[@meruyertnurlybekkyzy3829]

the saddest thing is that they don't get anything after release, but bad physical and physological health. Many cases when they die after few years. Imagine if you lived in a small town and was in prison for a couple of years, people would be scared of you and not accept you. After being in Gitmo and having a claim of the baddest people on Earth these guys don't really have anything, some deported to far away countries where they don't know a single soul...

[@lnoorplaylist]

Dr Afia is still not released

[@d3m1tar]

If I ever go to Mauritania , I will look to have a tea with this fellow. He is been through a lot because of wrong moves ..... It is good his story now is out and the world is listning to him! I am glad he survived so far and hopefully enjoy the rest of his life peacfully .!

[@Salibob]

The coolest guy I've ever seen I'm life. Soooo human and honest.

[@amnaismath8946]

I can say only one sentence to this courageous man:have faith,Almighty Allah will return more than what you have lost on the day of judgement

[@boneeatsdog]

will Allah return the lives of 3000+ innocent people killed in 911?

[@valentinabereza4366]

Thank you for this interview!

[@aishalea7508]

hard to comprehend that usa (or any country) can treat people that way and there is no consequences. breaks my heart this man and so many others had their lives destroyed for no reason. may he given the highest level in the next life ameen

[@nostoppingit7827]

This should never happen in this day and age. So disturbing to hear what this man went through, and with no proof of any guilt.

[@baiba.sisene]

hahahahaa.. ya sure. would never happen. they still have few of these men like him in Guantanamo today!!!

[@meljahic3624]

This is nothing, what paletinian going thru apartheid of israhell..Nothing...

[@humanbeing3337]

Interesting how you can spot someone telling the truth from a mile away or in this case, 5 minutes into the interview.

[@tessasaugbjerg3599]

Oh how I also wish for a just and clean world. Will we ever be able to live in a kind world

[@dillpickle4466]

I too thought America was a country of law and rights Smh I live here and it is not true

[@TheGrassbaba]

@@DaT-observer what ?

[@donHooligan]

Why is America allowed to commit human rights violations?

[@StellarJones]

They can manipulate the terms of 'human rights' as they see fit in the name of 'democracy' and 'freedom'

[@elal5176]

It is all a power game

[@donHooligan]

@@DaT-observer our last 8 presidents have committed war crimes/human rights violations, with zero accountability on the world stage.

[@1985qdawg]

Our leaders

[@ixtaflores3724]

I am so grateful that you are free and they didn’t destroy your humanity......

[@tumanskychikov7255]

FYI Slahi travelled to Afghanistan twice, attended the al Farouq training camp, and fought against the Afghan central government in 1992, but that he was never an enemy combatant against the United States. In fact, he was fighting on the same side as the United States, which in 1992 supported the Mujahideen fight against the communist government in Afghanistan .

[@nananazimam2060]

Am so sorry...may the almighty ease your pain ...

[@silc.1002]

I love this man, he is only guilty of following orders and his race. He must get his papers back to go see his son 🙏

[@SM-rg2jd]

I feel sick to my stomach

[@miarena111]

what a stunning man with an outstanding intelligence and a massive heart ! wow !

[@2a0b2c3cc]

Good parson and personality

[@santadeville242]

Looking and listening to this man, and reflecting on his story, that hell he has gone through leaves every decent, humble man without a single word.. One of the saddest stories I have ever heard that had happened to an individual. His story is a proof that even "the greatest democracy" of this planet can become a fascist swamp in a split second . Hats off to the US self-criticism that has been happening through books, movies and plays only unfortunately , but the core, the main essence is still there: that country whose only population was living in tents and riding horses while my country had universities, parliament, libraries, scientific institutions etc. has been, still is and will stay a fortress of fear and paranoia. Until the large part of the US population (as we could see the last year, at least 50% of them) don't go through a massive the cathartic moment of enlightenment, we will keep watching and listening stories like this one.

[@Lula2020]

Inshaalah= Allah’s will Allah will make it easy for you just hang in there. May Allah almighty make a very easy for you. I really don’t know what to say 😢 heart breaking. I will make a Dua/pray for you so much ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@creditcard3466]

Its really *COLD in the U.S

[@user-js3ec8sw6b]

His friend became a Muslim mashaaLLah

[@mohamedabdou6396]

Very very sad history 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

[@Abraham_Tsfaye]

I read his harrowing book. Before his arrest he didn't speak any english. He learnt to speak it. To think his 'own' country handed him over knowing what was waiting for him. Countries like Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, Mauritania et al are only 'sovereign' in name only. They're ruled by despots who have disgraced their countries and denied their people dignity.

[@adamhirqal2983]

That America will not definitely last long

[@mjgasiecki]

He seems like a very good guy...well grounded and not full of vengeance...

[@boneeatsdog]

he is afraid of going back,,,,,

[@SK-ns6sl]

Can't say the same for the US govt and the sadistic psychopaths carrying out the torture. They should be locked up

[@chocolatethundercherry143]

His book was raw and sad despite the editing

[@teena5723]

Very much so. I couldnt finish it💔

[@chocolatethundercherry143]

@@teena5723 girl yes it was an emotional read

[@Abraham_Tsfaye]

Countries like Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, Mauritania et al are only 'sovereign' in name only. They're ruled by despots who have disgraced their countries and denied their people dignity.

[@freethemuslimworldfreepale3112]

Which country are U from Teena?

[@ibrahimadan205]

@@Abraham_Tsfaye Ethiopia is even worse. Killing tigrays is wrong

[@peacefulworld5505]

This is just a drop from sea and we are already feeling sick of our stomach. No human even animal should suffer like this. Peace love respect and acceptance please

[@cinnamon.5772]

America needs to do better.

[@maxlemusa3520]

I like cinnamon in my tea

[@1985qdawg]

Facts

[@1985qdawg]

Love you my brother

[@julioanzueto3]

Thank you for your story And I want to apologize for the suffering you experience Forgive them for they do not know the evil they have done On many humans They are under the power of the wicked Satan May God be with you

[@truthprevails556]

WHY SHOULD THEY BE FORGIVEN???? WOULD YOU SAY THE SAME IF THE SHOE WAS ON THE OTHER FOOT???

[@malikael832]

Amazing

[@lulugoulart5014]

While USA won't work on the racism against religion, specially Muslim religion and skin color, it will always going to happen. It's a shamme that the laws in the USA applying just to certainly people. I am so happy that Mohamedou forgave those horrible people that did horrendous things to him, just because it's freed him. I truly believe that it all happened to him to teach those that have capacity to learn. I hope that with the attention that the movie is getting he will be able to get his documents back and will be able to travel and feel totally free again.

[@soexse_firuze]

He is so charming

[@nourmallette809]

It's so sad the American government absolutely horrid😩 What a strong individual may Allah open the door for him to seek Justice and fight for human rights as he's been trying to do Let's hope he keeps putting his story out there for others to see the Injustice that's going on😢

[@j2shoes288]

Now you know why God created a Hell!

[@Khaanxx]

I wish there was someone who can hold America accountable for all they have done around the world in the name of peace. They have blood on their hands of millions of innocent people as well as millions who lost their homes and families because of their greed, brutality and power hunger.. they are most disliked nation around the world..

[@mogamadgreyson143]

This is the story of every inmate in Guantanimo bay

[@odeddoremi]

This man tell us the real face of the US

[@maryammonroy1435]

Subhanallah brother you have an amazing straight Alhamdulillah, May Allah swt help you to get the justice the you deserved..😢

[@boneeatsdog]

he got the justice he deserved.....

[@user-nb9xb4qv4k]

😭😭😭💔💔💔💔الله يحفظك و يردلك حقك

[@user-ou4bs8jg6d]

ههههه انتي جابك هون

[@mrbecker7628]

😭😭😭😭😩😩😩😫😫😫😭

[@subatomicparticle6535]

And "This is the information the Colonel in Part 1 knows but can't say" because it's devoid of any evidence he did anything illegal.

[@1KriticalShoota]

* WE SHOULD NEVER TRUST OUR GOVERNMENTS * ☝🏾

[@shaheedaessack6142]

May Allah fulfil your every wish. Inshallah Ameen

[@boneeatsdog]

what wish is that, to kill thousands of innocent people?

[@DiandraStarShine]

I'm so sorry for what happened to you and that my country's government & military is run by so many criminally minded psychopaths. and that your own nation's powerful have been so quick to keep you so limited in what you are allowed and not allowed to do..what all of those who participated did to harm you is just sickening [and I'm amazed at how you're sitting upright, even able to smile at times]..this, *along with so many other things,* prove there are no actual laws and that the court system here is just a farce. and it's at least a 2-tiered system, if not a 3-tiered one, as long as USA federal, state & military laws apply, primarily, to only the vulnerable and powerless. because even non-citizens are supposed to be able to expect the law enforcers to FOLLOW the laws. and they are also, BY LAW, meant to benefit by having their 'day in court' and free legal representation, if they're suspected of having committed a crime and are arrested. land of the free, home of the brave? no, not yet. we'll appreciate the good, obviously - and benefit from it as much as we can. we live our lives, pay our taxes, get the most we can out of life. enjoy and even love and care for others as much as we are able to. but for all intents & purposes, the USA is still only an *idea* that has a LOT more evolving to do before we can call it a *TRUE* democracy and that is a FACT.

[@lilyfuzz1]

Billingsley sign it off and yet is human rights defender. cant find that on the net.

[@icildablack5701]

This is one of the sadest story i have ever listen to , we will have to give an account to all this evil that we have done to others, karma will catch up with them , if it does not happen in this life it will happen in another life time , it's a shame for you all to call yourselves human being...

[@Soul-zl6bb]

@Icilda Black You're right, however, unfortunately there are many such sad stories and more horrendous stories too.

[@elal5176]

Does anyone know how we can help him?

[@rukkyxarat]

We should have petition

[@A_T__]

May the almighty destroy the lives of all those who have violated his life and all the other people that we dont know about yet and those who have died without anyone knowing about their absence.

[@Iyakebirt]

What a poor man

[@main_tak_becus6689]

Any books written about this man and his experience? I want to read it

[@DonMaysa]

He has a book called “Guantanamo diary” where he wrote his memoirs. This was written while he was still in prison. Make sure you get the restored version. There’s also a Hollywood movie about his story called “the Mauritanian”

[@boneeatsdog]

@@DonMaysa lol...when Hollywood gets involved, you know its all BS

[@DonMaysa]

@@boneeatsdog I was wrong actually. It’s not a Hollywood film. It’s some British production I think.

[@boneeatsdog]

@@DonMaysa i am now wondering if the "Hollywood" of GBritain are just as whacked as our American Hollywood

[@fahrrurrozi686]

what you plant is what you harvest

[@teena5723]

What you mean?

[@waitaminute2015]

Are there still prisoners in guantanamo bay? What another shame on the US. I hope he at least gets his passport back so he can see his family. What a terrible crime to take his freedom for so long.

[@m7md_zz292]

That lousy reputation prison is still detaining innocent people till today. Some of the captives have a release order from the USA government, yet they still in prison.

[@waitaminute2015]

@@m7md_zz292 yes, after I posted this comment I learned there are still 40 people in there. Shameful!

[@broerymarantika853]

Shame on you America 🤬

[@monicaolwitz3493]

Oh my ALLAH , why you let that happen ? Give him at least a passport .

[@amanihuss4630]

Watching this after ‘the Mauritanian’ trailer

[@heniakonas9439]

Sorry to hear that his wife does not want to live with him in Mauritania as a good wife should so after all he went through he can enjoy life with his son.

[@treasirewealth4024]

I have been 20 + years in this...BS. I didn't even have an arabic name at the time...nor knew any Middle Eastern people when they started on me....so my whole case is just outrageous! When I met middle eastern people is when I had a relief.

[@sheshahayat5117]

uff ALLAH, our messed up world,,,, How is torturing any soul, legal, a law 🤷🏿‍♀️🤷‍♀️🤷🏿‍♀️ I can’t watch this after 10 minutes,,,,

[@deead4833]

Brother.. I'm so speechless for what they have done to you. I'm so sorry.. 😭😭 Now i know there is a movie about you, called The Mauritanian. is the true-life story of Mohamedou Ould Slahi, i'm looking for it.

[@boneeatsdog]

he should have made the right choices to begin with,....he got what he deserved

[@jeansee5429]

America owes you an apology.

[@sadiqakhan2545]

Alhumdullilah you are free now may Allah swt protect you n all innocent people.Steve is a wonderful person may Allah swt bless him too.May Allah make everything easy for you brother n for all people like you .Who is the terrorist here 🤔

[@aishalea7508]

allohumma ameen

[@GQ-sz2xn]

That’s True face of American Every dog has a day

[@muztaphaabdi715]

Subxanalah 🤲🤲😡😡😡😡😡😡😡

[@SuAva]

Does anybody know if by now he has his passport back? I read something from april 2021 that said he now lived in Germany with his wife and child but I can't really find anything else so that reporting might've been wrong. But then again now that Biden is president perhaps his passport situation has changed?

[@e.m.el-hacen2360]

Yes, fortunately he received all his papers and is a free man :) In fact he just visited few European countries :)

[@afiyahmingle7547]

Justice is with Allah, they actually think they will escape their recompense but a force is coming to them like they've never seen before there is no way on this earth that you can commit such grave sins and get away with it no way.

[@Iyakebirt]

Welcome to the American justice system

[@DT_123]

That man is not a terrorist

[@boneeatsdog]

mmmhmmm.......that what they all say

[@secretportal2074]

Aafia Siddiqui is the same victim of US injustice. She is serving 86 years sentence.

[@myriamh9666]

This poor man was framed

[@thebittertruth5381]

That's the human rights that they're claiming to keep it, what a insolence

[@ariturbo4094]

Does this guy received compensation from usa government??

[@hademinomar5329]

One would totally agree there no law in Mauritania.

[@treasirewealth4024]

Waterboard washing....as well.

[@treasirewealth4024]

Yep, they cracked my skull...and my hip bone

[@elal5176]

Shame on them!!! There will be payback from our Creator🙏🏻

[@noorhayati6380]

If one could hear the punishment carried out in the grave the whole earth would be reverberating with the screams of donald Rumsfeld.

[@boneeatsdog]

get with modern times....

[@americatoken3334]

But you said, that your family even told u to stop talking to the guy from Sudan and why you move to Canada? if the patato was hot you should have stop any communications and instead lay low till conspiracies dissapeared.

[@cosmicadventure9184]

I really lough loudly when i see Americans pretending them selfes as human right advocates 🤣🤣🤣😥

[@niconoura1]

as salaam alaikum Call Amal Clooney!!!!!

[@Eyelash40]

May all those who tortured, and were in any way complicit in the torture of this innocent, decent, and good man, burn in hell. Guantanamo is largely a sham!

[@boneeatsdog]

he is a phukin liar

[@francheskavega7251]

Let this man be free,whoever is keeping him from being free is worse than an animal,thanks to Americans like the ones who harmed and tortured him are the reason terrorists exist