Racial Abuse Claimed at Guantanamo Bay

Apparently there are guards at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, that are racially abusing the terrorist prisoners. The (UK) Guardian reports on the alleged racial abuse:

Guards at Guantanamo Bay are racially abusing inmates by calling them "ragheads" and "camel-riders," the family of a British detainee claims.

A spokesperson for the base said the issue would be raised to the camp commander.

Amnesty International has taken an interest and stated that, if the allegations are true, it would be "totally unacceptable and alarming." And,

"It's important that the American authorities do a thorough investigation of these alleged comments."

Officials have not commented on the existence of a prohibited word list for the guard force, but an anonymous source believes it is being revised to include "camel-rider," "raghead" and, also, "poopie face" and "cootie breath."

I can't help but believe that things are pretty good for these prisoners if their primary complaint is that someone called them a name. Of more concern to me is that it appears that the guard force is being too polite. From my experience in the military, I would have expected much saltier language from American servicemen.

Check out The Daily Ablution for more on The Guardian and its reporting emphasis.