Reference no: EM133355013

The Mauritanian tells the story of Mohamedou Ould Slahi and his fight for freedom after being detained, tortured, and imprisoned without charges in Guantanamo. Tahar Rahim (Golden Globe nominee), Jodie Foster (Golden Globe winner) and Benedict Cumberbatch star in the film, which accurately depicts both the torture and other inhumane treatment inflicted upon Guantanamo detainees, and the Kafkaesque lengths that the U.S. government has gone to keep them locked up regardless of their guilt or innocence. Watch the movie addressing the following questions;

1. What scene in the film most caught your attention and why?

2. The attacks of 9/11 are still a defining moment for many in the U.S. and the world. After seeing the film, what would you say to someone who believes that the U.S. government was justified in responding to these attacks by torturing people?

3. How was faith portrayed in the film? Choose a character in the film, imagine what it would be like to be in their position, and describe how their faith influenced their actions.

4. The film showed both brutal acts of torture and acts of decency and humanity. Which affected you more and why?

5. Was the torture portrayed in this film designed to gather intelligence or was it something else, and what should be done to ensure that the U.S. never does this again?

6. What are the strongest arguments for classifying the detainee as an enemy combatant. What are the strongest arguments against doing so?

7. Take a position on whether Congress should close the Guantanamo Bay detention facility, transfer the detainees to U.S. prison, and then try them in Federal Court.

8. Considering the role that federal habeas corpus proceedings play in the U.S. scheme of justice, what do you think is the proper balance between national security and the due process rights of those suspected of being terrorists.