Gitmo Doctors Hid Evidence of Torture
\nBy Spencer Ackerman – April 26, 2011<\/p>\n
They explained away the bone fractures, didn\u2019t ask what caused the lacerations, and called the hallucinations routine. Rather than blowing the whistle, medical professionals entrusted with the care of the detainees at Guantanamo Bay turned a blind eye when there were clear indications of abuse.<\/p>\n
That\u2019s according to a newly published report from two physicians with unprecedented access to the medical records of nine Gitmo detainees.<\/p>\n
Writing in the online journal PLoS Medicine, Physicians for Human Rights senior medical adviser Vincent Iacopino and retired Brig. Gen. Stephen Xenakis, a psychiatrist now in private practice, found that medical personnel at Guantanamo concealed mental and physical ailments that signaled abusive treatment.<\/p>\n
The report \u2014 which represents the first independent review of any Guantanamo detainee\u2019s medical record \u2014 is the clearest evidence yet that members of the base\u2019s medical staff were complicit in the torture regime there.<\/p>\n
\u201cMedics have an independent, professional responsibility to identify and report incidences of cruel, inhumane and degrading treatment and torture,\u201d Xenakis tells Danger Room. \u201cThey had a responsibility to speak up.\u201d …more<\/a><\/p>\n