Columbia Center for Oral History Portal > Oral history interview with Stephen H. Oleskey, 2012.Biographical NotePartner, WilmerHale.
Scope and ContentsBorn: 1942, Concord, New Hampshire; Education: B.A., Wesleyan University; J.D., New York University; Career: Attorney, Hale & Dorr; Partner, WilmerHale [Wilmer, Cutler, Pickering, Hale & Dorr]; Chief, Public Protection Bureau; Reminiscences: belief in social activism; commitment to pro bono practice; decision to represent the “Algerian Six” in habeas corpus petitions; first experience traveling to Guantánamo with partner Rob Kirsch; impressions of facilities and administration of Guantánamo Bay and impressions of treatment of detainees; developing rapport and forming personal relationships with clients and their families; Discussions: clients' arrest and transfer to Guantánamo; false narrative of the “Algerian Six” as a terrorist cell; habeas petitions in U.S. courts and eventual release of five clients; psychological impact of abusive treatment on clients; practice of Islam in Guantánamo.; ontinued efforts for habeas relief on behalf of Bensayah Belkacem; resettlement experiences of released clients; Guantánamo under Barack Obama administration; optimism for future policy change.
SubjectsAccess ConditionsCopyright by The Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New York, 2012.
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