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July 9, 2013

Judge: Guantánamo Force-Feeding "Painful, Humiliating, Degrading," in Obama's Hands 
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A federal judge has issued a ruling suggesting the force-feeding of
hunger-striking Guantánamo Bay prisoners is illegal, but warning only
President Obama can stop it. On Monday, U.S. District Judge Gladys
Kessler rejected a prisoner's effort to halt his force-feeding, saying
she lacks jurisdiction. But Judge Kessler said: "It is perfectly clear
... that force-feeding is a painful, humiliating, and degrading
process." Kessler added: "It would seem to follow [the president] has
the authority — and power — to directly address the issue of
force-feeding of detainees at Guantánamo Bay." At least 45 of the
estimated 106 Guantánamo hunger strikers are being force-fed through
tubes.

 

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