What is the purpose of Guantanamo Bay detention camp?
Constructed in stages starting in 2002, the Guantánamo Bay detention camp (often called Gitmo, which is also a name for the naval base) was used to house Muslim militants and suspected terrorists captured by U.S. forces in Afghanistan, Iraq, and elsewhere (see also Iraq War).
What kind of prisoners go to Guantánamo Bay?
Since 2002, 779 Muslim men and boys have been held at Guantánamo, nearly all of them without charge or trial. Today, 39 men remain indefinitely detained there, and 27 of them have never even been charged with any crime. Fourteen of those 27 have been cleared for transfer or release, some for years.
What do they do to prisoners in Guantánamo Bay?
Over the years, many detainees have claimed that they were detained unlawfully, denied due process, and subjected to grave physical and psychological abuses—some amounting to torture—by their American captors.
What is the detention center at Guantánamo Bay?
On Jan. 11, 2002, the U.S. military detention facility at Guantánamo Bay was established. In the two decades since, roughly 780 individuals have been held at the prison under the guise of the failed War on Terror. “Our nation will be more secure the day when that prison is finally and responsibly closed.”
Is Guantanamo Bay illegally occupied?
The government of Cuba regards the U.S. presence in Guantánamo Bay as an illegal occupation on the basis that the Cuban–American Treaty “was obtained by threat of force and is in violation of international law.” Some legal scholars judge that the lease may be voidable.
Why does Cuba let the US use Guantánamo?
To achieve full independence, the U.S. required the Cuban government to amend its new Constitution to allow the U.S. to “sell or lease” territory for a naval base. The Cubans did so grudgingly. Unlike most leases, this one has no end date. The U.S. military may use the site indefinitely.
Can you escape Guantanamo Bay?
No escape from Guantanamo
US presence in Guantanamo Bay began in 1898 during the Spanish-American War. In 1903, Cuba leased this bay on its southeastern end to the US to be used as a naval coaling station. In 1934, it became a US enclave after a perpetual lease was signed. “There is no escape from there.
What are conditions like at Guantanamo Bay?
Detainees described deteriorating facilities with broken toilets and locks and burned-out lightbulbs, what appears to be a slowdown in medical treatment with basics like aspirin and band-aids not available, and harsher treatment from guards.
Is it possible to escape Guantanamo Bay?
Yes, people have escaped Guantanamo Bay naval base. Though these escapes were prior to the base housing a prison, which was established in 2002, and since the establishment of the prison there have been no escapes.
Are there any prisoners at Guantanamo Bay?
As of October 29, 2022, 35 detainees remain at Guantanamo Bay. This list of Guantánamo prisoners has the known identities of prisoners at the Guantanamo Bay detention camp in Cuba, but is compiled from various sources and is incomplete.
Are there civilians in Guantanamo Bay?
The close-knit community at GTMO consists of both military and civilian personnel.
Can civilians visit Guantanamo Bay?
All non-active duty personnel must have a current passport to get on NSGB. You must obtain passports (for the entire family), before arriving. Visitors will need an “Area Clearance” before they can be granted entry to NSGB.
Are families allowed at Guantanamo Bay?
Guantanamo Bay has 756 family housing units. You can visit the Navy Housing website for housing floor plans and photographs. The waiting period for quarters varies depending on the time of year and the member’s housing entitlement. Call the Housing Office, FH: 757-458-4172 or UH: 757-458-5144 for availability.
Can you escape Guantanamo Bay?
No escape from Guantanamo
US presence in Guantanamo Bay began in 1898 during the Spanish-American War. In 1903, Cuba leased this bay on its southeastern end to the US to be used as a naval coaling station. In 1934, it became a US enclave after a perpetual lease was signed. “There is no escape from there.
How many Americans live at Guantanamo Bay?
The military facilities at Guantanamo Bay have over 8,500 U.S. sailors and Marines stationed there. It is the only military base the U.S. maintains in a socialist country.
Is it possible to escape Guantanamo Bay?
Yes, people have escaped Guantanamo Bay naval base. Though these escapes were prior to the base housing a prison, which was established in 2002, and since the establishment of the prison there have been no escapes.