Campaigner who spent 14 years as a detainee in Guantanamo to speak at Nenagh Arts Centre

Writer, artist, human rights activist and former Guantanamo prisoner who endured more than 14 years of detention without charge or trial, Mansoor Adayfi is touring Ireland to share his experiences and call for the closure of Guantanamo, where 16 men are still being held despite being cleared for release.

On Monday, December 6, Mansoor will present his book, Don't Forget Us Here, at a public talk and book signing in Nenagh Arts Centre at 8pm.

At the age of 18, Mansoor Adayfi left his home in Yemen for a cultural mission to Afghanistan. He never returned. Kidnapped by warlords, then sold to the United States after September 11, he disappeared into Guantánamo Bay, where he spent the next 14 years as Detainee 441.

Don't Forget Us Here tells two parallel coming-of-age stories: a makeshift island outpost that becomes the world's most notorious prison, and an innocent young man who emerges from its darkness.

With unexpected warmth and empathy, Mansoor unwinds a narrative of fighting for hope and survival in unimaginable circumstances, illuminating the limitlessness of the human spirit.

It will undoubtedly be an exceptional evening with a unique person, demonstrating the best of humanity and carrying a tremendous message of hope.

Resettled to Serbia in 2016 through a US-Serbia agreement, Mansoor has since achieved significant milestones.

He continues to contribute to the campaign Close Guantanamo in a variety of ways, including radio documentaries, written contributions, films in development and audio books.

Mansoor Adayfi’s talk begins at 8pm. Admission is free but tickets must be booked through online registration at www.nenagharts.com