U.S. rejects Guantanamo detainee torture claims by the Red Cross

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http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L30448488.htm

WASHINGTON, Nov 30 (Reuters) - The International Committee of the Red Cross has accused the U.S. military of using tactics "tantamount to torture" on prisoners at the U.S. Naval base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, a claim the Pentagon flatly rejected.

Responding to a leaked ICRC memorandum in The New York Times on Tuesday, the Pentagon strongly denied allegations of abuse of prisoners being held at the base and the State Department said it believed detainees were treated humanely.

"We vehemently deny any allegations of torture at Guantanamo Bay and reject categorically allegations that the treatment of detainees at Guantanamo is improper," said Pentagon spokesman Navy Lt. Cmdr. Flex Plexico.

He said in written comments the Defense Department had conducted a number of investigations into allegations of abuse at Guantanamo Bay and found "no credible instances" of abuse.

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