Keen On America Guantanamo: The Myth vs the Reality
Dec 2, 2025
Joshua Colangelo-Bryan, a human rights lawyer and author, sheds light on his experiences at Guantanamo Bay, revealing shocking truths about the detainees and their mistreatment. He challenges the myth of the 'worst of the worst,' pointing out that many were innocent, sold for bounties, and endured inhumane conditions. His friendship with detainee Jaber Mohammed highlights the personal impact of these injustices. Colangelo-Bryan warns against the current demonization of immigrants, drawing parallels to past abuses and emphasizing the importance of protecting human rights.
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First Lawyers At Guantanamo
- Joshua Colangelo-Bryan described volunteering to represent Guantanamo detainees after the 2004 Supreme Court ruling restored their rights.
- He and a small team became some of the first lawyers to travel to the base and litigate those cases pro bono.
Most Detainees Weren't Accused
- A majority of Guantanamo detainees were never alleged to have acted against the U.S., undermining the premise of detaining the "worst of the worst."
- Joshua argues this fact shows why legal rights and humane treatment are practically necessary, not optional.
9/11 Reversed Human Rights Momentum
- Post-9/11 policy represented a break from increasing human-rights norms established after WWII and the 1990s tribunals.
- Joshua says this shift made America less safe and morally compromised its commitment to law.
