Watch Gitmo - The New Rules of War

Gitmo - The New Rules of War is a documentary film directed by Erik Gandini that premiered at the Sundance Film Festival on January 28, 2005. The film explores the controversial detention of suspected terrorists at the Guantanamo Bay detention camp in Cuba by the United States government. The film features interviews with former detainees, military and government officials, lawyers, and human rights activists who provide insight into the treatment of detainees at Guantanamo and the legal and ethical issues surrounding their detention. The film also includes footage shot by the detainees themselves, providing a rare glimpse into life at the detention camp.

The film begins by providing context for the creation of the detention camp, which was established in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks in 2001. The film then delves into the treatment of detainees, including the use of torture and other controversial interrogation techniques, as well as the lack of due process afforded to detainees.

The film highlights the stories of several detainees, including a British citizen named Moazzam Begg, who was detained for three years before being released without charge. Begg provides a firsthand account of his detention and interrogation, as well as the psychological toll it took on him and his family.

The film also explores the legal challenges faced by detainees and their lawyers, who argue that the detention of individuals without charge or trial is a violation of international law. The film includes interviews with lawyers who have represented detainees at Guantanamo, including Clive Stafford Smith, who founded the legal charity Reprieve to provide legal representation to prisoners facing the death penalty.

The film is critical of the United States government, particularly the Bush administration, which established the detention camp and was accused of condoning the use of torture and other illegal interrogation techniques. The film suggests that the US government's actions at Guantanamo have damaged the country's reputation abroad and undermined its commitment to human rights and the rule of law.

Overall, Gitmo - The New Rules of War is a thought-provoking and incisive documentary that sheds light on one of the most controversial issues of our time. The film raises important questions about the treatment of detainees, the limits of government power, and the role of the United States in the world. The film is a powerful reminder of the importance of upholding the principles of justice and human rights, even in times of crisis.