Army Finds No Truth In Gitmo Beating Rumor

Investigation Reports No Evidence Guards Mistreated Detainees

(CBS/AP)  A U.S. Army officer who investigated possible abuse at Guantanamo Bay after some guards allegedly bragged about beating detainees found no evidence they really mistreated the prisoners, military officials said Wednesday.

Col. Richard Bassett, the chief investigator, did not recommend disciplinary action against the Navy guards named by Marine Sgt. Heather Cerveny, who had said that during a conversation in September they described beating detainees as common practice.

In an affidavit filed to the Pentagon's inspector general, Cerveny — a member of a detainee's legal defense team — said a group of more than five men who identified themselves as guards had recounted hitting detainees. The conversation allegedly took place at a bar inside the base.

"The evidence did not support any of the allegations of mistreatment or harassment," the Miami-based Southern Command, which oversees Guantanamo Bay Naval Base in southeastern Cuba, said in a statement.

Investigators conducted 20 interviews with "suspects and witnesses," the Southern Command said. The statement did not say whether Bassett interviewed any detainees, including any of the alleged victims.

Bassett's findings were approved by Adm. James Stavridis, the head of the Southern Command.

The investigation began Oct. 13 and was expanded 10 days later to include a similar allegation from a civilian employee who recounted a conversation between a female guard and a male interrogator, according to the statement. Following Bassett's recommendations, Stavridis said a "letter of counseling" should be sent to the female guard who allegedly initiated a "fictitious account" of detainee abuse.

Meanwhile, CBS News has learned that a Defense Department plan to seek funding for a $100 million courthouse to try terror suspects at Guantanamo Bay has been put on hold.

[pakaal]

Colonel Richard Bassett is quoted as saying he did not interview any detainess, although the CBS news story claims it wasn't said if he did or not.

Can someone explain how you can investigate something without talking to those who are supposed to have had it happen to them? That's just ridiculous.

[sy2502]

Sorry Rick, but I have to agree with ObservantX and exusmcsgt on this one. Whatever the topic, you always use it as an excuse to wave your Bible around. This is a forum to express one's opinions, not to parrot what's written in a book. If we are interested into what the Bible says about some subject, we can choose to go and read it for ourselves. We don't need you to copy and paste pieces of it on the board. I have nothing against you voicing your opinions, but it seems to me you have none, you just regurgitate whatever stuff you have been brainwashed with.
And cut the martyr act, and the sheep among wolves, because it is just childish!

[observantx]

Rick:

I guess this leaves us at an impasse for now. I want to discuss the topics of the columns, but your discussion inevitably veers off into preaching.

I can understand that faith has a part in these discussions. I'm afraid the perception you have fostered is that for you it is the ONLY part and source of the discussion. Maybe this is why you are getting heat from some people.

[exusmcsgt]

-Ok deal. I'll also report you for your constant insults and slandering. Deal?
Posted by singinrick at 12:31 PM : Feb 08, 2007

Knock yourself out, skippy.

[exusmcsgt]

singinrick-

I'll be reporting you this afternoon. Fortunately, there is no shortage of your preaching here to use for the purpose.

[exusmcsgt]

Again, I base debates off of my faith. There is NOTHING wrong with this. It it those who come on here to blatantly attack the Christian faith who begin these "religious" debates.


Posted by singinrick at 12:21 PM : Feb 08, 2007

You the idiot who always brings religion to these boards. WHAT NERVE you have acusing others of doing so!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Whatever the topic, it preaching from you and we're sick and tired of it.

I have to leave but, when I get back, I promise you rick that I am going to report you for non-stop preaching on these boards and we'll see what CBS thinks about it.

[exusmcsgt]

singingrick-

I need a link that is from an objective source, not some dogma-driven site.

-Just as I predicted! :)

Posted by singinrick at 12:06 PM : Feb 08, 2007

You make dogma-based claims and then want to sell dogma-driven sites as independent validation of your claims.

That shows how much truth you proffer, pal. You can only proffer Kool-Aid.

[observantx]

I am not attacking your faith.

I am objecting to the injection of religious discussion into a forum where the subject is NOT religion.

[dallison7]

Deal??
Posted by singinrick


DEAL!!












(stupid)

[observantx]

The subject is the investigation into alleged beatings of detainees at Gitmo.

Why do we have a discusssion about how wonderful Jesus is and we're all sinners, and God loves us and the bible is the only one true book, etc.?

What does the headline say?

Another highjacking of a comment section by unsolicited preaching and proselytizing.

I know what the response will be to this. Oh, but Jesus is wonderful and we're all sinners, and God loves us and the bible is the only one true book, etc. Oh please read the Bible and be saved!!

Yes, that may all be true. However, that is NOT the topic. Exercise your freedom of religion in a manner that isn't shoving your faith in people's faces. Please stick to the topic.