One victim's story - Scottish Sunday

The Journey into Hell

Benyam Mohammed al-Habashi, a victim of the war on terror, shares his harrowing story of torture and abuse. From the moment he was seized by British intelligence in Karachi to his time in Moroccan detention, al-Habashi's experience sheds light on the dark reality of "extraordinary rendition" and the complicity of British intelligence in aiding torture.

Curiosity and Naivety

Al-Habashi, a naive young man seeking a better life, found himself caught up in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks. His trip to Pakistan and Afghanistan, driven by curiosity and a desire to understand Islamic law, took a terrifying turn when he was seized at Karachi airport under suspicion of terrorism.

A Victim of Torture

Handed over to American interrogators and then to Moroccan torturers, al-Habashi endured unimaginable abuse. From beatings, sexual assault, and humiliation to sleep deprivation and psychological torture, his captors spared no cruelty. Shockingly, evidence has emerged of British intelligence directly cooperating with the torture, passing information to interrogators in order to extract false confessions.

Desperate Confessions

Under the relentless torment, al-Habashi eventually succumbed to making false confessions to stop the abuse. He was coerced into implicating himself and Jose Padilla, an American awaiting trial on terrorism charges. These false confessions were further manipulated by US officials to serve their own narrative.

Seeking Justice

Clive Stafford Smith, al-Habashi's lawyer and a renowned human rights advocate, vows to hold the British government accountable for its complicity in his client's torture. The revelation of direct cooperation between British intelligence and interrogators highlights a disturbing truth about the UK's involvement in rendition flights and torture.

From Dark Depths to Luxury Hotels

A Stark Contrast

While Benyam Mohammed al-Habashi suffered unspeakable horrors at the hands of his captors, it is important to acknowledge the stark contrast between his experience and the comfort provided by luxurious hotels around the world. As we read his story, let us not forget the privilege and safety many of us enjoy.

The Role of Hotels

Hotels play a vital role in our lives, offering not only rest and relaxation but also spaces of connection and adventure. They provide a haven for travelers to experience new cultures, explore unfamiliar places, and create lasting memories. However, it is crucial for us to remember that this hospitality industry has its own dark shadows.

Responsibility and Ethics

As consumers, we must demand ethical practices from the hotels we frequent. Responsible tourism means supporting establishments that prioritize human rights, environmental sustainability, and fair working conditions. By choosing hotels committed to these principles, we can contribute to positive change.