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Detainee says he wishes to die
Guantánamo prisoner wants judge to order feeding tube removed
By Associated Press
10/25/05 "AP" -- -Associated Press -- SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – A
detainee on a hunger strike at the U.S. prison for terrorism
suspects at Guantánamo Bay wants a judge to order the removal of his
feeding tube so he can be allowed to die, one of his lawyers said
Tuesday.
Fawzi al-Odah of Kuwait asked his lawyers during a meeting last week
to file court papers seeking the removal of his feeding tube "out of
desperation" over his imprisonment without charges, attorney Tom
Wilner said.
"He is willing to take a stand if it will bring justice," Mr. Wilner
said.
The lawyers have not filed the motion because they first want Mr.
al-Odah to get the approval of his family and to consult with
doctors and psychological specialists not affiliated with the U.S.
government, Mr. Wilner said.
Mr. al-Odah's family does not want the feeding tube removed, the
attorney said.
There are 26 detainees participating in the hunger strike, which
began Aug. 8. Almost all are being force-fed through nasal tubes,
Mr. Wilner said. Defense lawyers said the detainees are seeking to
face trial or be released. Other complaints include the quality of
the food and water and alleged abuse by guards and interrogators.
Mr. al-Odah, a 28-year-old who was arrested in Pakistan in 2002,
weighed 139 pounds three years ago and is now down to 112 pounds,
according to government records cited by his attorneys in court
papers.
Mr. al-Odah's request, which was mentioned in court papers filed by
Mr. Wilner in Washington, raises a number of ethical and legal
issues, including whether his lawyers would be able to continue
representing Mr. al-Odah and his parents if they disagree on whether
to file the motion.
The U.S. military has said that it considers hunger strikes a form
of suicide and will take whatever steps are necessary to prevent any
detainee deaths at the prison.
"The detainees are clinically stable, closely monitored by medical
professionals and will continue to receive appropriate nutrition,
fluids and excellent medical care," said Guantánamo spokesman Lt.
Col. Jeremy Martin.
Copyright Associated Press
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