U.S. Announces Transfer Of Guantanamo Prisoners

The Department of Justice has revealed three detainees have been transferred from the prison at Guantanamo Bay to Ireland and Yemen.

The move follows an executive order signed by President Obama on January 22 mandating the closure of the controversial facility within a year. Since the prison was opened by President Bush in 2002, it has become a target of attack from libertarians around the world alleging it violates the detainees’ human and civil rights by denying them open and timely access to courts.

According to the DOJ, the U.S. has coordinated with the governments of Yemen and Ireland to ensure the transfers take place under appropriate security measures and will continue to consult with their governments regarding the detainees.

Media reports suggest the interagency Guantanamo Review Task Force has cleared 78 detainees, or about a third of the population of the facility, to leave. The administration has been working on resettling them, which in some cases involves finding a place for them in foreign countries due to fears they may be subject to cruel treatment at home.

For example, there is now a deal with the island nation of Palau to take in as many as 12 Chinese Uighur detainees, while another four have been moved to Bermuda, according to the Washington Post.

Upon assuming office, Obama also banned the use of torture during interrogation of terrorist suspects.