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Prez to Shut Gitmo, Secret CIA Prisons

Orders directing sweeping detention, interrogation overhaul expected today

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Jan 22, 2009 2:35 AM CST

(Newser) – The president will sign orders today ordering the Guantanamo Bay detention center shut down within a year—and directing the CIA to dismantle its network of secret prisons overseas, government officials tell the New York Times. The CIA will still be allowed to detain terror suspects in foreign countries, but will be barred from holding them in long-term detention.

The presidential orders call for an immediate review of the cases of all 245 detainees still at Guantanamo and of prison conditions. The CIA will be ordered to abandon coercive interrogation methods and to use the same rule book as the military. The orders will leave the door open for the president to bring back the CIA's detention and interrogation program, which some observers believe may be necessary if Osama bin Laden is captured.

An official picture of President George W. Bush is replaced with one of Barack Obama in the lobby of the headquarters of the US Naval Station, in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
An official picture of President George W. Bush is replaced with one of Barack Obama in the lobby of the headquarters of the US Naval Station, in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.   (AP Photo/Brennan Linsley, Pool)
A guard works at Guantanamo's Camp 6 detention center, at the US. Naval Base in Guantanamo Bay.
A guard works at Guantanamo's Camp 6 detention center, at the US. Naval Base in Guantanamo Bay.   (AP Photo/Brennan Linsley, Pool)
Leg shackles fill a floor in the detention center at the US Naval Base in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
Leg shackles fill a floor in the detention center at the US Naval Base in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.   (AP Photo/Brennan Linsley, Pool)
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Legal experts debate what the Obama administration should do with the detainees at Guantanamo.   (CNN Video)

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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 3 comments
Doctor-Zaius
Jan 22, 2009 6:03 AM CST
About time.
AnnieOkie58
Jan 21, 2009 9:28 PM CST
By closing GB...how much money will be saved and what will they do with the place?I did read in the past, that prisoners will be sent to federal prisons.....anyone know?
Guest
Jan 21, 2009 8:26 PM CST
Doctorzaius, how about we release them to your custody? These terrorists were in a place better than where they actually came from.

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