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Gitmo Abuse Worse Under Obama: Lawyer

Guards 'get their kicks in' before controversial prison shuts down

By Ambreen Ali,  Newser User

Posted Feb 25, 2009 2:51 PM CST

(Newser) – Prisoner abuse at Guantanamo Bay has gone up since the election of President Obama, who’s promised to close the facility, a lawyer tells Reuters. Detainees represented by Ahmed Ghappour complained of beatings, dislocation of limbs, overfeeding while on hunger strike, and pepper spray on their toilet paper. “Guards are just basically trying to get their kicks in,” he said.

Ghappour’s comments come days after the Pentagon confirmed new reports of prison abuse, including “preemptive use of pepper spray,” but said they were within the confines of the Geneva Conventions. The human-rights lawyer has filed two complaints of serious detainee abuse, without response. “Some detainees are convinced they are going to be locked up there forever,” he said.

The Pentagon admitted some abuses at Guantanamo but claims the prison camp is operating within the Geneva Conventions.
The Pentagon admitted some abuses at Guantanamo but claims the prison camp is operating within the Geneva Conventions.   (AP Photo)
A former Guantanamo Bay prisoner covers his face as he's released after nearly 7 years in US custody.
A former Guantanamo Bay prisoner covers his face as he's released after nearly 7 years in US custody.   (AP Photo)
The human-rights lawyer claims prison guards are abusing the prisoners while they still can.
The human-rights lawyer claims prison guards are abusing the prisoners while they still can.   (AP Photo)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 5 comments
Guest
Feb 26, 2009 6:06 AM CST
of course they say its within the geneva conventions, and yet it is deliberately placed outside of the U.S. and the media isn't allowed inside. if nothing there is out of the ordinary, why protect it as if it was? also, "preemptive use of pepper spray?" how fucking dumb do you have to be for that excuse to make the least bit of sense? preemptive against what, a hunger strike?
Guest
Feb 25, 2009 3:58 AM CST
The key to winning the 'war on terror' is respect. Unfortunately, we don't seem to be doing too well.
Guest
Feb 25, 2009 3:36 AM CST
Yeah, but it also shows a lack of conscience. I don't want to win the war on terror by becoming that which we hate.

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