If we are indeed torturing prisoners in Guantanamo Bay, do we at least know they are guilty? Apparently not!

The Pentagon's files on the six Kuwaiti prisoners we represent reveal that none was captured on a battlefield or accused of engaging in hostilities against the U.S. The prisoners claim that they were taken into custody by Pakistani and Afghan warlords and turned over to the U.S. for bounties ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 — a claim confirmed by American news reports. We have obtained copies of bounty leaflets distributed in Afghanistan and Pakistan by U.S. forces promising rewards — "enough to feed your family for life" — for any "Arab terrorist" handed over.

The files include only the flimsiest accusations or hearsay that would never stand up in court. The file on one prisoner indicated that he had been seen talking to two suspected Al Qaeda members on the same day — at places thousands of miles apart. The primary "evidence" against another was that he was captured wearing a particular Casio watch, "which many terrorists wear." Oddly, the same watch was being worn by the U.S. military chaplain, a Muslim, at Guantanamo.

I feel that it is pertinant to this story to reveal that it was written by a lawyer who is representing some of the prisoners. I have have a sort of built in prejudice toward lawyers and often find it hard to take them at their word. However having said that I am even less trusting of this administration and would choose to trust almost any lawyer over them any day of the week.

I also have heard other news reports that many, if not most, of the prisoners being held for suspicion of terrorism are being held on the flimsiest of evidence. If indeed these are individuals who are likely to attempt to attack America I would obviously want them incarcerated. But if we just think them guilty and there is no evidence, then we have no choice but to release them. At least we shouldn't have a choice.

And if these are innocent people then what will their time spent in prison do to them? Isn't it very likely that they will go off and join the very organizations that we have accused them of currently belonging? President Bush seems to be creating the very circumstances that he has warned the American people exist today. I believe that the danger to America is growing day by day. And that will continue as long as George Bush occupies the White House.