At a recent party I was asked whether, if I was stuck on a desert island, my job would be one that would make others pleased to see me.
I am not a builder or a doctor, so the obvious answer is ‘no’, but with enough beer I was able to argue that without the rule of law there would be no society. While my contribution is small, having a fair legal system protecting the rights of all, allows people to simply enjoy life without constant fear.
After patting myself on the back the following day for coming up with such a good argument, I read again about Shaker Aamer’s plight. Held in Guantanamo Bay without charge or trial since 2002, despite being approved for transfer by both Bush and Obama, his case shows what happens when the rule of law is not upheld. On 20 October I joined with many others to #fastforShaker.
I managed to go without food for 24 hours; a very small contribution, but certainly a worthy cause.
Stewart Perry, Clyde & Co, London EC3
*Shaker Aamer was released on 30 October
