The film will be introduced by Dr. Lachezar Yanev.
The Mauritanian
Two months after the 9/11 attacks, Mauritanian engineer Mohamedou Ould Slahi is told that there are Americans who want to speak to him. He agrees and goes with them. Over three years later, human rights lawyer Nancy Hollander learns about Mohamedou's case through word of mouth. Apparently, he was arrested at the time on suspicion of being one of the organisers of the 9/11 attacks. His family has recently discovered that he is imprisoned without trial in Guantanamo Bay detention camp. There is no evidence for the charges, but Mohamedou will not be released. Hollander takes up the case and tries to prove his innocence beyond doubt. This turns out to be a long-term issue.
In 2015, Mohamedou Ould Slahi's memoirs were published: Guantánamo Diary. This diary formed the basis for this exciting, true story of miscarriages of justice and glaring injustice. Starring Tahar Rahim, Jody Foster and Benedict Cumberbatch, among others.
Dr. Lachezar Yanev is an Associate Professor of International Criminal Law at the Department of Criminal Law and Criminology of the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. He is also Co-Director of the “Law in Society” bachelor’s programme and lectures undergraduate and postgraduate courses in comparative and international criminal law.
