Another Life Succumbs to the Horrors of Isolation and Indefinite Detention in Guantanamo Bay

WASHINGTON, May 31 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Larry Cox, Amnesty
International USA’s Executive Director, made the following statement in
response to reports of the death of a detainee by apparent suicide in
Guantanamo Bay:
“This tragedy is another illustration of the desperation many detainees
face at Guantanamo Bay and one more reason that the Guantanamo Bay prison
camp must be shut down. Many suspects have been in custody without charge
or trial, most for over 5 years. Amnesty International urges an immediate
independent investigation into the man’s death and calls on Bush
administration officials to improve conditions for those who remain. Many
detainees are held in very harsh, permanent conditions of extreme isolation
and sensory deprivation — particularly those in Camps 5 and 6.
“As Amnesty International sends it condolences to the deceased’s
family, we must remember that every man in the facility is a father,
brother or son. Regardless of one’s innocence or guilt, everyone must be
afforded due process and the rule of law — the cornerstone of justice.”
Amnesty International also reiterates its call for independent human
rights monitors to be given full, unlimited access to the detainees at the
detention facility in Guantanamo Bay. The organization urges that all
detainees be allowed regular contact with their families and that
independent health care professionals are permitted to examine detainees in
private.

SOURCE Amnesty International USA