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Leaked Photos of "Detainees" being Transported to Guantanamo Bay

While the Pentagon seeks to find out who leaked the pictures, the more fundamental question which is on everybody's lips: WHO in the US military ordered the torture of POW in blatant violation of the Geneva Convention.

The CNN report from the Pentagon (8 November Lou Dobbs, Moneyline) is as follows:

"Well, an investigation may be a little strong, let's just say the Pentagon is very curious where the pictures came from. Presumably they were taken by a U.S. service member, and they began widely circulating over the Internet today. The Pentagon has not released pictures like this, because from what it claims is an intent to abide by the spirit of the Geneva Convention, which prohibits photographs of prisoners that might hold them up to ridicule."

In other words, the Pentagon acknowledges that POWs were tortured, while at the same time dismissing the need for an investigation. What one can reasonably infer from the CNN report is that this treatment of POWs is a routine policy ordered by the Pentagon.

Photographic evidence of Torture of POWs

 
Photos originally published by  Art Bell , 8 November 2002
globalresearch.ca ,    11 November/ novembre 2002

These photos of POWS were anonymously sent to several mainstream and alternative news organizations, according to CNN. It was radio host Art Bell who first published them on his Website, on 8 November 2002.

The Pentagon has acknowledged that the photos are genuine:

CNN Newsnight, 8 November 2002

 "A Pentagon spokesman says the photographs appear to be genuine. It is not known who took or e-mailed the pictures."

CNN Lou Dobbs Moneyline, 8  November  2002

DOBBS: Jamie, in a separate matter today, the Pentagon said it is investigating the unauthorized release of photographs taken within a C-130 transporting detainees. I want to show the viewers the photographs, if we may. They photographs show hooded detainees in restraints onboard what appears to be a C-130 transport aircraft. Jamie, do we know how those photos got out? And what is the reaction of the Pentagon?

MCINTYRE: Well, an investigation may be a little strong, let's just say the Pentagon is very curious where the pictures came from. Presumably they were taken by a U.S. service member, and they began widely circulating over the Internet today. The Pentagon has not released pictures like this, because from what it claims is an intent to abide by the spirit of the Geneva Convention, which prohibits photographs of prisoners that might hold them up to ridicule.

These pictures don't really fit that category. They simply show how the detainees were hooded and shackled and secured in the back of a C-130. And by the way, they do point out that this was a short haul flight, either within Afghanistan or perhaps to a nearby country, because C-130s were not used for trans-Atlantic flights. On those flights, the prisoners were in airline seats, although they were still shackled and hooded. But they say maybe not very comfortable, but not inhumane.

DOBBS: Jamie McIntyre, senior military affairs correspondent tonight from the Pentagon. Thank you, Jamie.


NBC News, 8 November 2002

"The Pentagon wants to know who took and released photographs of terror suspects as they were being restrained and transported aboard a US military plane. The four photos showing the prisoners handcuffed, their heads covered with black hoods appeared Friday morning on the Web site of radio talk show host Art Bell. Pentagon officials say they have very tight restrictions on any images of detainees and would--would have no interest in potentially holding up for--holding them up for any kind of public ridicule".

Associated Press: "Officials believe the photos were not authorized and know their release was unauthorized, he [a Pentagon spokesman] said."


According to these reports, it's likely that the photos were taken as the prisoners were being transported from Afghanistan to Turkey, on their way to Guantanamo Bay. Bear in mind that neither the media nor the Bush administration, nor the Congress has begged the question WHO ordered the torture of POW in blatant violation of the Geneva convention.

To read The CNN article entitled "Pentagon probes anonymous release of detainee photos" click here

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 Copyright  CRG  2002. For fair use only/ pour usage �quitable seulement .


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