Terrorism suspects offer ‘prime information’ ahead of tribunals
In an exclusive interview, Major General Geoffrey D Miller said the vast majority of some 660 detainees have confessed to some involvement in terrorism.
Many have turned on former friends and colleagues, he said, giving information based on "incentive-based interrogations".
Rewards include more recreation time, extra food rations to keep in their cells, or a move to the medium-security facility.
But what Miller calls progress, lawyers call a violation of rights as none of the detainees have been charged or allowed lawyers. Some statements, which Miller said have been verbal and unsigned, could be used during a tribunal.
"The US government, already criticised for designating detainees as unlawful combatants rather than prisoners of war, is facing new pressure to ensure fair tribunals.
US Senator Jeff Bingamon, a Democrat from New Mexico, pushed for Congress to force the Bush administration to be more accountable and reveal its intentions toward the detainees, but the measure failed.
Although crimes have been spelled out, no detainees have been charged in the 18 months since the detention mission began and there are still no sentencing guidelines.
There are also questions over the tribunals' transparency. Guidelines already rule out attorney-client privilege and allow for conversations to be recorded.
Despite the legal minefield, officials are pressing ahead with preparations for a courtroom, permanent detention facility and an execution chamber.
The prisoners are all suspected of ties to the al-Qaida terrorist network or Afghanistan's ousted Taliban regime. They range from a member of Bahrain's royal family to some juveniles and many low-level foot soldiers.
Officials have reported 29 suicide attempts by detainees increasingly depressed by their prolonged incarceration.
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