Gitmo – a decade of shame

Ten years ago, the first prisoners arrived at the US Naval Base in Guantánamo Bay. Since then, almost 800 men have been imprisoned there without trial or charge – despite criticism and challenges by the UN and human rights groups.

Sadly, many of the detainees were innocent, caught while fleeing the US war in Afghanistan. Today, 171 prisoners are still being held.

No one can answer whether ‘Gitmo’ has deterred terrorism. But undoubtedly, it has become a symbol of torture and disregard for human rights.

Is democracy best served by hypocrisy? Is it acceptable to protect our way of life by destroying what we stand for?

Maybe such questions are best answered by wiser minds. However, we’re not convinced that’s the case today.

It’s time to close Guantánamo now.