Defense Deptartment's Vague Statement on Prisoners Released from Guantanamo

by Deb Cupples |  A not-very-detailed press release from the Pentagon states: 

 "Four detainees were transferred to Iraq, one to Algeria and one to Afghanistan.  These detainees were determined to be eligible for departure following a comprehensive series of review processes."

I'd like to know more about the "comprehensive series of review processes" and the basis for releasing each of the six detainees.  Were they all found innocent?  Are they being set free or sent to foreign jails?  The press release continues:

"The transfer is a demonstration of the United States’ desire not to hold detainees any longer than necessary. It also underscores the processes put in place to assess each individual and make a determination about their detention while hostilities are ongoing – an unprecedented step in the history of warfare."

A demonstration of the desire to not hold detainees longer than necessary?  That seems to imply that the detainee releases are not so much about justice as they are about making a public-relations statement. 

It would be helpful to know how long each detainee had spent in Guantanamo -- that and, again, the basis for each detainee's release.  The press release continues:

"The Department of Defense has determined – through its comprehensive review processes - that approximately 60 detainees at Guantanamo are eligible for transfer or release.  Departure of these detainees is subject to ongoing discussions between the United States and other nations."

For the third time, I'd like to know on what basis each detainee was or will be released.  Were or will they be released to jails in other nations or set free?  The press release concludes:

"Since 2002, more than 525 detainees have departed Guantanamo for other countries including Albania, Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, Bahrain, Belgium, Denmark, Egypt, France, Great Britain, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Libya, Maldives, Mauritania, Morocco, Pakistan, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Sweden, Sudan, Tajikistan, Turkey, Uganda, United Kingdom and Yemen.

"There are approximately 245 detainees currently at Guantanamo. " (Defense Link)

Raw Story notes that both President Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney recently admitted to approving the torture of Guantanamo detainees.  Regarding prosecution of Bush Administration officials for violating federal law's prohibition on torture, Raw Story comments:

"While Obama has said that prosecuting torture committed by the Bush administration would not be a priority for him once he takes office. If there are no remaining tortured detainees in Gitmo come Tuesday, it remains to be seen how this may further complicate the issue of prosecutions."

Memeorandum has commentary.

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