One of the most debated current events that have had a hold on America and the world are the prisons of Guantanamo Bay. Since the opening of the prisons there have been reported stories of torture on prisoners, inmates being force fed and due process rights being taken away. In this essay, we will examine Guantanamo Bay from the beginnings, to the legal issues by reviewing landmark Supreme Court cases, to the world wide opinions and finally the future of GITMO. After much research, we will review how I came to my belief, that the holding of prisoners in Guantanamo Bay is unconstitutional and that the torture must be stopped immediately.
Guantanamo Bay, otherwise known as (GITMO), is a United States Naval Station and prison located in Cuba. In the aftermath of the battle of Guantanamo Bay, during the Spanish-American war, the United States of America gained control of GITMO in 1898. Recognizing that Cuba had ultimate jurisdiction over Guantanamo Bay, then Cuba President, Tomas Estrada Palma, entered into a controversial agreement with the United States. Cuba President Palma leased the land of Guantanamo Bay to the United States. The lease agreement gave America full jurisdiction over GITMO. The land was first used as a fueling station. Guantanamo Bay is 45 miles of land and water, the massive property help the United States support the U.S. Navy and Coast guard ships that are stationed at GITMO. The presence of USA at Guantanamo Bay provides security in the Caribbean area. GITMO also keeps a watchful eye on illegal immigrants helping curb the influx of migrating immigrants coming to the United States. From 1898 to 2002, Guantanamo Bay was primarily used as a Naval Base. Then September 11, 2001 occurred, in which 19 Al-Qaeda Islamic extreme militants hijacked four American airliners and carried out suicide attacks against the United States. Two of the planes were directed into the twin towers, World Trade Centers