Torture at Guantánamo: Lt. Col. Stuart Couch On His Refusal to Prosecute Abused Prisoner

www.democracynow.org - On Sept. 11, 2001, Marine Lt. Col. Stuart Couch's friend died co-piloting the second plane to hit the World Trade Center. Soon after, Couch became one of the first military prosecutors assigned to the U.S. military base at Guantánamo Bay to prosecute men alleged to have carried out the terrorist plot. He ultimately would refuse to prosecute one detainee: Mohamedou Ould Slahi. "It became clear that what had been done to Slahi amounted to torture," Couch says. "Specifically, he had been subjected to a mock execution. He had sensory deprivation. He had environmental manipulation, that is, cell's too cold or the cell is too hot ... He was presented with a ruse that the United States had taken custody of his mother and his brother and that they were being brought to Guantánamo." Couch says he concluded Slahi's treatment amounted to illegal torture. "I came to the conclusion we had knowingly set him up for mental suffering in order for him to provide information," Couch said. "We might very well have a significant problem with the body of evidence that we were able to present as to his guilt."
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[@nonamemaryjane5831]

The Mauritania movie brought me here. I salute Col. Stuart Couch with respect and admiration. He took the right stand on Mr. Slahi’s case. People like him that keeps the hope in humanity. Bravo sir

[@user-kq8uv1ll6c]

As a Mauritanian 🇲🇷 I can only tell you that you are a noble, honest and brave man on the truth. I love you so much and because of you I love the American people

[@h.Freeman]

As an American I am extremely proud of Lt. Couch

[@fs5775]

Look how upset he is at the end with the sexual torture - you can feel his utter disgust and embarrassment of the behavior of his military brothers

[@esthellakomerl8084]

My respect to col. Stuart Couch.

[@fafafais]

A hero for humanity.

[@carloshasson2472]

I'm sorry this comment is too late but I appreciate you Amy Goodman I appreciate you

[@bealtainecottage]

How very disgusting and inhumane...

[@m1m760]

The great justice bringer.... Salute.

[@PcfulSol]

Calling an American a trader because they were doing the right thing 😂😂

[@thedelta88]

says the guy from the UK. you should leave out the "must be nice to know" because you should know how it feels.

[@bealtainecottage]

What does President Obama have to say about this?

[@marcellisrobinson]

You mean the president who approved drone strikes that killed terror suspects who weren't guilty of anything? The president who allowed U.S. citizens to be spied on by telecom companies, in violation of our 4th amendment rights? What does he have to say about this?

[@h.Freeman]

@@marcellisrobinson that was one of the things that disappointed me about Obama. He turned out to be more of the same. Which isn't different at all.

[@ashrafel-gaaly8657]

@@marcellisrobinson hmmm to you that worse than what Bush did Abu Ghareb or Trump did it American protesters 😂 suddenly you care about drone strikes overseas that had been happening before Obama and has been happening after him but you only see it during Obama time 😂😂😂😂