Over a dozen Senators call for the shutdown of the Guantanamo Bay U.S Federal Prison. | Facebook
Over a dozen Senators call for the shutdown of the Guantanamo Bay U.S Federal Prison. | Facebook
More than two dozen senators stand in favor of shutting down the U.S Guantánamo Bay military prison and rehoming its 40 remaining prisoners, accusing the facility of abusing human rights, damaging the country’s reputation and fueling anti-Muslim beliefs.
"The safest place for the world’s most dangerous terrorists is at Guantanamo Bay. We cannot allow Democrats to close this prison and welcome its detainees to our country," Sen. Tom Cotton wrote in a Facebook post.
Most inmates have been confined at Guantánamo for over 20 years, and have grown to become elder citizens without ever undergoing a trial, while others were granted the right for release, but are still confined. Inmates who have served more than 18 years at the jail center are no longer considered a threat to society and are therefore not considered a threat to the country.
Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Dick Durbin sent a letter to President Joe Biden drafted by him and his 23 other colleagues, who outlined various steps on how the administration should go forth with the institution's closing, which includes transferring the inmates to another country through the State Department office, set to be reconstituted. The guidelines also suggest an overseas negotiation for the six inmates who were cleared for release and a virtual plea agreement issued by U.S federal courts for inmates who can be federally charged.
The list of lawmakers who voted in favor of the closing includes Sens. Cory Booker of New Jersey, Kirsten Gillibrand of New York, Mazie Hirono of Hawaii, Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, Patrick Leahy and Bernie Sanders of Vermont, Dianne Feinstein and Alex Padilla of California, and Ed Markey and Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts.
Efforts related to the prison are limited and have been said to be on pause since February due to several judge replacements. An example of a delayed trial is that of the case involving the Sept. 11 death penalty for five prisoners. Thus far, the prison and its court systems have cost the country over $6 billion.
The administration promised to consider reformation relating to the prison but hasn’t provided additional information since then. The determination will be made by the NSC, Congress and the Departments of Defense, State and Justice.
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