Guantanamo Bay detention camp is a prison for suspected and confirmed terrorists that opened in 2002 in response to the attacks on the World Trade Center. Most detainees come from Afghanistan or Iraq and have been arrested before (Nolen). Guantanamo is located on a naval base on the southern tip of Cuba and has housing, schools, stores, and many other accommodations for detainees. The camp has cost over four million dollars for the US government to maintain (“Guantanamo”). Today, as Guantanamo comes under fire for torture accusations and as political power changes hands, the future of detainees is uncertain and intimidating. From the opening of Guantanamo, a total of 780 people have stayed there. Over five of these prisoners were below
…show more content…
However, they have brought awareness to their cause, and have incited protests around the country. Prisoners have gone on hunger strike and have risen up against guards from the opening of the camp and the beginning of the enhanced interrogation, but none of these actions caught the media’s attention until 2013 (“Guantanamo”). In 2013, over half of the camp’s 166 detainees attempted to catch the media’s attention by going on hunger strike. Thirty of these detainees were force fed near the end of the strike, and three were hospitalized.Prisoners also attempted to battle guards and free themselves in 2013, and this resulted in increased security and punishment …show more content…
Many are concerned about the lack of human rights at this facility, and others are concerned about the safety of our country if the camp was closed. As political power changes hands, the effect of this election will soon be evident. However, political power alone does not determine the fate of these detainees. The people also have a major say in what happens. The protests have changed many minds about Guantanamo, and to continue would perhaps bring about the needed change. One thing that can help this cause is awareness. Many people are not aware of the conditions at the camp, and many aren’t even aware it exists. The detainees at the camp have been fighting for their rights for a long time, and the least one can do is help bring awareness to their
However, they have brought awareness to their cause, and have incited protests around the country. Prisoners have gone on hunger strike and have risen up against guards from the opening of the camp and the beginning of the enhanced interrogation, but none of these actions caught the media’s attention until 2013 (“Guantanamo”). In 2013, over half of the camp’s 166 detainees attempted to catch the media’s attention by going on hunger strike. Thirty of these detainees were force fed near the end of the strike, and three were hospitalized.Prisoners also attempted to battle guards and free themselves in 2013, and this resulted in increased security and punishment …show more content…
Many are concerned about the lack of human rights at this facility, and others are concerned about the safety of our country if the camp was closed. As political power changes hands, the effect of this election will soon be evident. However, political power alone does not determine the fate of these detainees. The people also have a major say in what happens. The protests have changed many minds about Guantanamo, and to continue would perhaps bring about the needed change. One thing that can help this cause is awareness. Many people are not aware of the conditions at the camp, and many aren’t even aware it exists. The detainees at the camp have been fighting for their rights for a long time, and the least one can do is help bring awareness to their