Bermuda protest aims at premier’s secrecy
HAMILTON, BERMUDA — Up to 1,000 protesters demanded Tuesday that Bermuda’s premier resign, saying he should have consulted with high-ranking officials before accepting four released Guantanamo inmates.
The protesters said they are not against the presence in the British territory of the four Chinese Muslims known as Uighurs, who were declared innocent of any wrongdoing by U.S. authorities. But they said Premier Ewart Brown showed disrespect by not consulting with Britain or local police officials before making the decision.
The Uighurs arrived early Thursday in Bermuda and are expected to enroll in a guest-worker program and eventually obtain Bermudan status.
Brown addressed the crowd but was soon drowned out. Police estimated that 800 to 1,000 people took part in the protest.
A small group of supporters was also present.
British Foreign Secretary David Miliband said he complained to U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and feels the territory should not have made the deal without consulting London. Britain handles Bermuda’s defense, security and foreign affairs.
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