U.S.: 3 Gitmo inmates hanged themselves
(AP)
Updated: 2006-06-11 09:55
The military said in a statement that "all lifesaving measures had been
exhausted" in the attempt to revive the detainees. The remains were being
treated "with the utmost respect," an issue important to Muslims. A cultural
adviser was assisting the military.
The statement defended the prison, saying detainees pose a danger to the
United States and its allies.
"They have expressed a commitment to kill Americans and our friends if
released," it said. "These are not common criminals. They are enemy combatants
being detained because they have waged war against our nation and they continue
to pose a threat."
Though the military termed the deaths suicides, the Naval Criminal
Investigative Service was investigating to establish the official cause of
death.
Guantanamo Bay has become a sore subject between Bush and U.S. allies who
otherwise are staunch supporters of his policies.
A U.N. panel said May 19 that holding detainees indefinitely at Guantanamo
violated the world's ban on torture and the United States should close the
detention center.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Danish Prime Minister
Anders Fogh Rasmussen and British Prime Minister Tony Blair are among those who
also recently have urged the United States to close the prison.
|
