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Prisoners in Good Health
Monday, January 21, 2002
By Ben Russell
Political Correspondent

US Defence Secretary, Donald Rumsfeld said: "These are very tough, hardcore, well-trained terrorists. They are being allowed to practise their religion, which is not something they encouraged on the part of others. They are clothed cleanly and they are dry and safe."

Location -- Source
A Foreign Office minister said that the Government was satisfied that British al-Qa'ida prisoners in Cuba were in good health and being treated in line with international law.

Speaking in the Commons today, Ben Bradshaw said that after seeing a report compiled by British officials who visited the prisoners, he was satisfied that they were being treated in line with international laws and in conditions where security was paramount.

He said: "The detainees are free to conduct religious observances, they have prayer mats and calls to prayers are broadcast over the Camp X-Ray PA system. They are given as much drinking water as they want, three meals a day and food that complies with their religious practices, if they wish it.

"During the visit the officials received full co-operation from the camp's commander who said that the more lurid allegations about torture and sensory deprivation are completely false."

Mr Bradshaw added: "I am fully satisfied with the co-operation we have had with the United States authorities on this issue."
(More: News.Independent.co.UK News Source)
2002 © Independent Digital (UK) Ltd.

Dan