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No-Go of Guantanamo: Demo Held at US Embassy London on Night of Election

© Sputnik / SputnikDemonstration held at US Embassy London on night of Elections Vote
Demonstration held at US Embassy London on night of Elections Vote - Sputnik International
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Almost 15 years have passed since the Guantanamo Bay detention camp in Cuba became one of the most well-known terrorist prisons in the world, and strong opposition to its continued existence was displayed during a protest demonstration outside the US Embassy in London.

In this 2009 file photo, reviewed by the U.S. military, an American flag fluttering in the wind is pictured through a broken window from inside an airplane hangar used for media activities at Camp Justice, the site of the U.S. war crimes tribunal compound, at Guantanamo Bay U.S. Naval Base, Cuba, July 16, 2009 - Sputnik International
Hurricane Forces Evacuation of 700 US Families from Guantanamo
Taking place on the eve of the US presidential elections, many individuals protesting pointed to the continuing violation of human rights that has been permitted at the camp, as well as their recommendation that the prison should have been closed a long time ago:

"Human Rights travesties, like the ones allowed to be committed at Guantanamo Bay over the last 15 years, have very much been put on the sidelines during this presidential campaign. And so we have gathered here today to remind our governments that this is still a serious issue that cannot be ignored any longer and it needs an immediate resolve by those in charge" one of the demonstrators told Sputnik.

© Sputnik / SputnikDemonstration held at US Embassy London on night of Elections Vote
Demonstration held at US Embassy London on night of Elections Vote - Sputnik International
Demonstration held at US Embassy London on night of Elections Vote
© Sputnik / SputnikDemonstration held at US Embassy London on night of Elections Vote
Demonstration held at US Embassy London on night of Elections Vote - Sputnik International
Demonstration held at US Embassy London on night of Elections Vote

According to a recent news release by US-based advocacy organization Human Rights First, currently 60 detainees are remain at the Cuban facility, costing approximately $445 million (£358.58 million GBP) per year to operate. This makes it one of the most expensive prisons in the world, requiring just over $7 million per detainee.

Sadia, a young London-based resident who attended the demonstration, told Sputnik:

"The whole War on Terror has been a disaster and I am showing my support to this campaign in protest of the negative effect on Muslim communities in particular. I also know people whose family members have been wrongly detained and so have seen first-hand the direct impact it has had."

© Sputnik / SputnikDemonstration held at US Embassy London on night of Elections Vote
Demonstration held at US Embassy London on night of Elections Vote - Sputnik International
Demonstration held at US Embassy London on night of Elections Vote

Media reports have stated that the notorious detention center once held up to 780 detainees. US President George W. Bush is said to have transferred over 500 during his tenure. Current US President Barack Obama has transferred back 162 prisoners to other countries. Obama issued an order early in 2008 to close the controversial prison but his efforts have been consistently blocked by a Republican-controlled Congress.

"Obama has made a notable difference in reducing the numbers detained at Guantanamo, but there are still too many held there. Whatever the election result is this week, we need more action and we will keep campaigning until it happens" Sadia told Sputnik.

© Sputnik / SputnikDemonstration held at US Embassy London on night of Elections Vote
Demonstration held at US Embassy London on night of Elections Vote - Sputnik International
Demonstration held at US Embassy London on night of Elections Vote

Many protesters also traveled from outside of London to attend the demonstration. One member, who wished to remain anonymous, told Sputnik:

"For me this is about advocating for the human rights of everyone. I'm here not only supporting the plight of all those who have been, and still are detained at Guantanamo, but also for brave individuals such as Julian Assange and Chelsea Manning who have also been imprisoned for speaking out against injustice and wrongdoing."

© Sputnik / SputnikDemonstration held at US Embassy London on night of Elections Vote
Demonstration held at US Embassy London on night of Elections Vote - Sputnik International
Demonstration held at US Embassy London on night of Elections Vote
© Sputnik / SputnikDemonstration held at US Embassy London on night of Elections Vote
Demonstration held at US Embassy London on night of Elections Vote - Sputnik International
Demonstration held at US Embassy London on night of Elections Vote

One protester commented on how Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton previously backed closing the facility, while Republican candidate Donald Trump has expressed his interest in holding trials of US citizens there, despite the practice being against US law.

"If the prison was to be closed tomorrow then we will have no need to hold demonstrations like this. We will carry on campaigning until that day comes." she said.

There was a strong police presence outside of the US Embassy in Central London, and the demonstration was moved away from the location, at a greater remove than had previously been planned by the organizers.

© Sputnik / SputnikDemonstration held at US Embassy London on night of Elections Vote
Demonstration held at US Embassy London on night of Elections Vote - Sputnik International
Demonstration held at US Embassy London on night of Elections Vote

It will now be up to the next Congress to decide whether to bring the Guantanamo detainees to the United States, where the next administration can choose between military commissions and federal courts. Whether the facility will be kept open another 15 years will be known very soon.

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