News Sport
Graphic shows status of detainees at Guantanamo Bay detention camp.
Responsive: View Mobile Version
GN36203EN
EN NL AR DE ES PT

U.S.

Trump signs order to keep Guantanamo military prison open

By Mike Tyler

January 31, 2018 - President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to keep open the U.S. military prison at Guantanamo Bay, marking a formal reversal of Barack Obama’s eight-year effort to shut it down.

The order, which he signed just before delivering his first State of the Union address, says the U.S. maintains the option to detain additional enemy combatants at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba when lawful and necessary to protect U.S. national security.

The detention centre, which President George W. Bush opened after Sept. 11, 2001, reached a maximum population of about 680 in the summer of 2003. Bush released more than 500 before he left office. President Barack Obama transferred 197 detainees out, leaving 41, including five cleared for release.

Sources
PUBLISHED: 31/01/2018; STORY: Graphic News; PICTURES: Getty Images
Advertisement