Mohamedou Ould Slahi

Living… in the U.S. Naval Base in Guantanamo Bay. Slahi swears that he has no real connection to Al-Qaeda or the 9/11 attacks, but US intelligence suggests otherwise. Kidnapped and separated from his family and friends without ever being charged with a crime, Slahi fears he will never make it back home to Mauritania again.

Interests… religion, soccer, and eating. He is an avid practitioner of his faith, as he prays constantly and is always thinking within the intellectual sphere put forth by his religion. Before he was imprisoned, he used to love to play soccer.

Relationship Status… divorced. 

Challenge… being humiliated, threatened, and emotionally abused, year after year. Considering everything that Slahi has been put through by the United States, it is incredible that he has not folded and confessed to the alleged crimes to end the torture. But Slahi remains adamant of his innocence and writes excellent, detailed letters to Nancy Hollander and his defense team, explaining his side of the story. And when Nancy offers to take his case, Slahi begins to open up to her as he learns to trust once again.

Personality… intelligent, strong, and spiritual. Prior to being captured, Slahi was well-loved in his community, as he was a loving family man with many friends. Now he is someone who is skeptical and fearful of anyone who tries to get near him. He is devoted to his religion which has kept him going through difficult times, and he tries his best to maintain his spiritual principles. He even tries to forgive his abusers, saying “I am trying to forgive. I want to forgive.”