For Immediate Release
October 8, 2003
US Attempts to Deflect Criticism of Guantanamo Prison - Media Barred from Questioning Unlawful Detention
"Asking questions or perspectives about ongoing and/or future operations or investigations can result in restricted access on Gitmo, removal from the installation, and/or revocation of DoD (Department of Defense) press credentials. (Addition to "ground rules" governing media at Guantanamo Bay prison)
(Washington, DC) -- Amnesty International, which has been refused any access to the Guantanamo prison, called the latest restriction on media access a tacit admission that the indefinite detention of men and boys without charge or trial is wholly indefensible.
"Imposing a gag-rule on the media will not make these serious questions go away," said Alexandra Arriaga, Director of Government Relations for Amnesty International USA. "Whether by the media, human rights organizations, or by other governments, these questions will continue to be asked and they deserve answers."
The organization emphasized that until outstanding human rights concerns are addressed, the Bush Administration will continue to face challenges to the operation of the Guantanamo prison.
The organization detailed 10 sets of questions it will continue to ask:
Will the US government confirm that it has fully complied with all of the changes requested by the International Committee of the Red Cross? If it hasn't made all the requested changes, why not?
How many "self-harm incidents" have there been?
How many prisoners have been forcibly medicated?
Why does the US government continue to hold children prisoner, more than a month after Maj. Gen. Geoffrey D. Miller, commander of the Guantanamo task force, stated "We are very close to making a recommendation of a transfer back to their home country"?
How many prisoners have been punished and on what charge? Have prisoners been punished for suicide attempts or self-harm incidents? How many prisoners have been punished in connection with interrogation?
What guidelines govern the frequency and format of interrogations? Are interrogators advised of what constitutes torture, the true consequences of ill-treatment, and the right to refuse to use techniques that constitute torture?
What records are kept of interrogations, including their frequency and duration?
In light of charges of ill-treatment by former prisoners in Guantanamo Bay, has the US government conducted effective investigations into these allegations and what, if any, were the findings?
In light of Secretary of Defense Rumsfeld's statement that "our interest is in not trying them and letting them out. Our interest is in - during this global war on terror - keeping them off the streets, and so that's what's taking place," is there any limit on the length of time the men may be imprisoned?
Have prisoners been held, as alleged by former prisoners, for months after their final interrogation before their release?
Amnesty International believes that all of the prisoners held at Guantanamo should be charged or released. The US government should guarantee prompt and fair review of all prisoners' cases and not restrict this action to nationals of particular allied countries. Allowing prisoners to challenge the lawfulness of their detention in a court of law is a fundamental human right that protects against arbitrary arrest and detention.
Those no longer detained by the US government should under no circumstances be forcibly returned to countries where they would be at risk of unfair trial, torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment.
In those cases where the US government plans to prosecute prisoners, Amnesty International warns that the proposed military commissions diverge significantly from the laws and principles that have been developed over numerous decades and that are binding on the United States, and if implemented, such commissions will further violate prisoners' rights.
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Contact:
Alistair Hodgett
Media Director, Amnesty International USA
+ 1 202 544 0200 x289 + 1 703 861 7384 cell phone
ahodgett@aiusa.org
http://www.amnestyusa.org
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