A Promise… Before the Departure

Episode 1

Overview

• The narrator reflects on his experiences in Guantanamo.
• Emotional turmoil and longing for family, especially parents.

Key Experiences in Guantanamo

• Torture Methods Used:
  • Systematized torture rituals including starvation and sleep deprivation.
  • Extreme temperature changes and physical beatings.
  • Psychological manipulation and sexual lures.
  • Forced fetal position confinement for up to 36 hours.
• Religious Faith:
  • The narrator relies on Allah's mercy during difficult times.
• Family Concerns:
  • Worry about seeing his parents again, especially his father's health.

Post-Release Life

• Rehabilitation:
  • Spent about 6 months in rehabilitation after release.
• Father's Illness:
  • Father diagnosed with cancer and relocated to London for treatment.
  • The narrator’s emotional struggle with the separation from family.

Final Request from Father

• Father requests to hear the entire story of his captivity once he recovers.
• The narrator promises to share his experiences if his father gets better.
• Sadly, the father does not recover, prompting the narrator to fulfill his promise.

Personal Background

• Identity:
  • Narrator is Fayez Mohamed Ahmed Al-Kanderi, held in Guantanamo for 14 years starting at age 28.
  • Now aged 42, sharing the truth of his experiences and suffering.
• Family Dynamics:
  • As the eldest son, Fayez felt a special bond with his father.
  • Family endured silent suffering for 14 years.

Reflection on Father's Death

• Narrator recalls the pain of burying his father, reflecting on his father's wishes.
• The father protested for his son’s release and had a deep emotional response to Fayez's captivity.

Kuwaiti Delegation's Efforts

• Significant efforts made by the Kuwaiti delegation for Fayez's release.
• The family consistently supported him and sent provisions through the delegation.

Conclusion

• Narrator expresses gratitude for the love and mercy shown by his father.
• Transition from being a prisoner (number 552) to reclaiming his identity as Fayez Mohamed Al-Kanderi.