Press Releases
U.S. Embassy Reacts to Statements in "Vjesnik"
Mr. Darko Đuretek
Editor-in-Chief
Vjesnik
Zagreb
Dear Sirs:
A recent article by Fran Višnar published in Vjesnik and then picked up by Večernji list have accused the United States of sanctioning torture of prisoners at Guantanamo. These recycled accusations are simply false. The United States has made it clear, in both words and in action, that it stands against and will not tolerate torture under any circumstances. The Department of Defense investigates all allegations of detainee abuse, and, where it determines that those allegations are credible punishes those found to be involved in abuse. Where appropriate, the Department of Justice prosecutes individuals who have violated U.S. criminal law.
Furthermore, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has access to every detainee at Guantanamo Bay, just as it would have to prisoners of war. The ICRC meets with detainees in private to conduct interviews during regular and frequent visits to Guantanamo Bay. The ICRC provides the United States with recommendations, which our government takes seriously, and many have already been implemented.