Note: the original version of this blog post conflated two separate stories. This version corrects the error.
The Red Cross study of the United States concentration camps at Guantánamo said that conditions were calculated to and would lead detainees to commit suicide. They have done so again, with another death being announced today. The name of the deceased and other identifying information is still unreported. Why would a prisoner held in isolation and robbed of all hope for the future commit suicide? Franz Kafka knew why.
Authorities at Gitmo also announced removal of the defense counsel of Saudi prisoner Omar Khadr. He is one of only three of the 380 prisoners at Guantánamo to be charged with a crime. Khadr’s detailed counsel is quoted by ABC News:
“He doesn’t trust American lawyers, and I don’t particularly blame him,” said U.S. Marine Lt. Col. Colby Vokey, who was taken off the case Wednesday. “The United States is responsible for his interrogation, and his treatment under a process that is patently unfair.” Colonel Vokey was excused as defense counsel by Col. Dwight Sullivan, chief defense counsel.
