Forcefeeding and restraint of Guantanamo Bay hunger strikers

Hunger Strikers: Ethical and Legal Dimensions of Medical Complicity in Torture at Guantanamo Bay

“…The courts-martial (the legal enforcement of the UCMJ) have jurisdiction over civilian contractors and military personnel who violate the laws of war and all parties have a duty to obey all lawful orders 67 . In 2005, the former commander of the US Navy Hospital at Guantanamo Bay, Captain John Edmondson, signed an affidavit stating that “the involuntary feeding was authorized through a lawful order of a higher military authority.” 71 This justification remains active today 72 . And although this assertion of legality constitutes no ultimate defense and soldiers have a duty to disobey orders they consider to be fundamentally unlawful, in practice this principle is all but impossible to uphold.…”

Interrogation of prisoners after 2003: the role of health professionals

“…5 Captain E was awarded a medal for 'his inspired leadership and exemplary performance'; his policies are being continued by his successor. 6 Indeed, health-care staff at Guantánamo Bay are screened to ensure their agreement to forcefeed. 6 …”

“…6 Indeed, health-care staff at Guantánamo Bay are screened to ensure their agreement to forcefeed. 6 …”

Ethical issues in nutrition support: a view from the coalface

“…There is clear agreement that the provision of adequate nutrition and hydration is a basic human right when patients are able to take this independently and that this should be offered as part of basic care. Equally clear is the public outrage at the force feeding of hunger strikers from the suffragettes to detainees in Guantanamo Bay 1. The World Medical Association's Declaration of Malta states that forcible feeding is never ethically acceptable 2…”