The Portraits of Gitmo Detainees

Said Amir Jan, 38*
Now known as Padshah, Amir was detained for five years before being released in 2007. The United States says he was associated with the Taliban and Al Qaeda. He says his arrest was a mistake — that he was a commander in the Afghan National Army, not the Taliban — and that he was tortured. "The behavior of the Americans was terrible," he adds. "They never respected our religion, never allowed us to act like Muslims. They told us it was their rule of law, and wouldn't allow us to pray. They beat me with their weapons." Photo taken January 31,2009.
*Since many Afghans do not know the exact date of their birth, the ages are approximate.

• Defending the Detainees