ACLU Statement on Guantánamo Closure Plan

WASHINGTON — The White House released a plan today to close the prison at Guantánamo.

Anthony D. Romero, the executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union, had this reaction:

“President Obama deserves high praise for trying to make good on his promise to close Guantánamo and erase the stain on America’s moral standing at home and abroad. The president is also right on the money when he says that the best venue for prosecuting present and future terrorism cases is our tried and tested federal courts.

“But, his decision to preserve the Bush-created military commissions is a mistake. The Guantánamo military commissions are an abject failure. They have never worked, are not working, and will never work, even with President Obama’s well-intentioned reforms. Additionally, the president’s continuing embrace of indefinite detention without charge or trial will tarnish his legacy.”

More information is at:
https://www.aclu.org/closegitmo