Guantanamo detainees brought to justice
STOCKHOLM - 13.02.2024 - HIBYA - More than twenty years after the September 11 attacks on the United States, pre-trial hearings are beginning for four individuals accused of complicity in the terrorist act and trapped in the Guantanamo detention camp.
Ronald Flesvig, spokesperson for the "Camp Justice" military court located in Guantanamo, Cuba, speaking to SVT's correspondent in the United States, Fouad Youcefi, stated, "Before their punishment can be served or they can be sent home, justice must first be ensured, followed by trial and decision. Only then can you discuss what to do with the remaining prisoners and a possible closure."
Charges were brought against four individuals accused of involvement in the September 11 attacks in 2008. The upcoming pre-trial hearings will also address which evidence will be admitted. Defense attorneys for the four individuals set to be tried are demanding that confessions obtained under torture not be admitted as evidence.
Fouad Youcefi, who presented allegations regarding deteriorating physical conditions at the Guantanamo prison, stated that this is partly due to changes in the security force, noting that there have been instances of aggressive behavior by the security forces. Youcefi emphasized that these detainees have suffered torture in the past and continue to experience difficulties in this regard.
Thirty individuals have been detained at Guantanamo. Of these, 16 are not considered a threat to the United States, and a committee has approved their release or transfer, but they remain there.
Fouad Youcefi stated that finding a country willing to accept the detainees is difficult, saying, "Some are from countries affected by war, and it is not possible to send them there, and some have no option for acceptance in many countries. And it is illegal to bring them to U.S. territory."
Debates regarding Guantanamo have been ongoing for many years.
The then-President, Barack Obama, promised in 2008 to close the prison. In contrast, Donald Trump issued an order to keep Guantanamo open, but the current President, Joe Biden, is working to close Guantanamo.
Albania News Agency