Omar Deghayes, Brighton's Guantanamo Bay detainee, has thanked supporters for bringing his plight to the attention of the public.

In letters sent from the US military base, seen by The Argus, the 36-year-old law graduate praised Brighton and Hove City councillors for passing a resolution condemning his imprisonment in solitary confinement without charge or trial.

He accused the United States of practising double standards by preaching about democracy while abusing the rule of law.

In one letter, addressed to the council's Green Party convenor Keith Taylor, who proposed the resolution at a meeting in March, Mr Deghayes wrote: "Your stand by me in these difficult times is unforgettable.

"You brought this motion even though it was displeasing to big powerful entities and it is a courageous stand.

"Bush is claiming he wants to transform the Middle East to democracy. Well, he is not sending a good message to many in the world.

"America's double standard is shameful and makes its call for the rule of law mere hollow propaganda.

"What Guantanamo states to the world is that if you are not a US national or a European citizen in paper you do not have any human rights."

Later on he writes that "almost everyone" in the prison camp is on hunger strike.

The letter continues: "We are protesting about the arbitrary arrest and indefinite imprisonment and bad conditions in general."

The second letter, received by the Brighton and Hove Muslim Forum on September 14, thanks campaigners for their "hard and continuous work, ideas and sincere actions".

It said: "I have told my prison colleagues about some of your work in bringing attention to our plight and this brought many smiles and happiness.

"People here had never thought that citizens of the UK care about the injustices they face daily.

"It is always great to know that throughout the world there are people like yourself and friends who stand by justice and support it, regardless of race or nationality.

"Your care for what is right and free conscience makes it pleasant to be part of the human race."

Mr Deghayes revealed many of the letters sent to him by supporters had been taken away by American guards at the camp.

He wrote: "I thank you also for all the things you sent. But the authorities have confiscated them with many other letters.

"I have responded to every letter I received.

"Do give my greetings and thanks to all who sent a letter of sympathy and support. And if any did not receive my response it would be because of censorship here."

Sabri Ben Ameur of the Brighton and Hove Muslim Forum said: "It's absolutely disgraceful.

"They don't want him to have any link to the outside world and they don't want him to have any hope.

"For him to have these letters would help him believe someone is fighting for him and keeping him strong.

"But they want to destroy him."

Mr Ben Ameur said anyone wanting to write to Mr Deghayes could send letters to Brighton and Hove Muslim Forum, 15 Blois Road, Lewes, East Sussex, BN7 2TR.

They would be forwarded to him at Guantanamo Bay.