Guantanamo Bay hunger strikes

Restraint chair used for enteral feeding -b

Guantanamo Bay hunger strikes refer to a series of protests by detainees held in the Guantanamo Bay detention camp, operated by the United States in Cuba. These hunger strikes were initiated by detainees to protest their indefinite detention without trial, conditions of confinement, and in some cases, to protest against alleged abuses. The first significant hunger strike started in 2002, with subsequent strikes occurring periodically, with varying participation levels from the detainees.

Background

The Guantanamo Bay detention camp was established in January 2002 by the U.S. government as part of its War on Terror. It was used to detain individuals suspected of connections to al-Qaeda and the Taliban. The detention of individuals without charges and the conditions within the camp have been subjects of controversy and criticism from human rights organizations worldwide.

Causes

The primary causes of the hunger strikes include:

• Indefinite detention without trial or charges.
• Alleged mistreatment and abuse by guards.
• Religious grievances, including mishandling of the Quran.
• Lack of access to legal representation.

Timeline

• 2002: The first hunger strike is reported, with detainees protesting their indefinite detention.
• 2005: A significant hunger strike began in the summer, with participation peaking at over 200 detainees by some reports. This strike brought substantial media attention to the conditions at Guantanamo.
• 2006-2007: Further strikes occurred, with detainees employing hunger strikes as a form of protest against their continued detention and treatment.
• 2013: Another major hunger strike began, with participation from more than half of the detainees at its peak. The strike prompted renewed discussions on the future of Guantanamo and the detainees held there.

Response

The U.S. military's response to the hunger strikes has included force-feeding of detainees, a practice criticized by human rights organizations and medical groups as unethical and a form of torture. The military has also attempted to downplay the extent of the strikes and the health risks to participating detainees.

Impact

The hunger strikes have drawn international attention to the conditions at Guantanamo Bay and the legal and ethical issues surrounding the detention of individuals without trial. They have sparked debates on human rights, the rule of law, and the U.S. government's counterterrorism policies.

See Also

• War on Terror
• Human rights in the United States
• Indefinite detention
• Force-feeding

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