These extraordinary pictures were taken when the U.S. military allowed the media to access to several camps at the notorious prison in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, which provided an insight into its conditions that hundreds of detainees have been kept in since the facility opened in 2001. The insights came after Guantanamo’s commander Rear Admiral David Thomas said that he did not believe the center would be closing anytime soon, pouring cold water on speculation that President-elect Barack Obama plans to shutdown the military's offshore prison within days of being sworn in on January 20.
Guantanamo Bay prison in Cuba
The Camp Four detention facility houses the most 'compliant' detainees, who are allowed to live in more open and community-orientated conditions. In one shot of a classroom in Camp Four, leg restraints can be seen under each desk. The clinical-looking classroom has recently begun playing host to an art class that has proved popular with the detainees.
Camp Four detention facility houses the most 'compliant' detainees
Items issued to detainees when they first arrive, including orange jumpsuits (back)
Another image shows U.S. Navy Commander Jeff Hayhurst displaying a range of items that were given to detainees when they first arrived, including the instantly recognizable orange jumpsuits which are issued to 'non-compliant' detainees.
Deputy Commander of the Joint Detention Jeff Hayhurst, was reflected in a door as he briefed the media outside the Camp Five detention facility
Access was also given to Camp 5, a detention facility that holds the most 'uncooperative' inmates along with those who the U.S may believe to have high intelligence value. According to the U.S. military, virtually all Camp 5 and 6 detainees are given some fresh air each day but normal days are also marked by endless routine: showering, feeding and exercise, as well as the transportation of detainees to meetings with lawyers and interviews with an interrogator.
TV is common activity in the prison
Meal for prisioners
Mc Donald's restaurant near Guantanamo
The closed 'Camp X-Ray' is also pictured overgrown with vegetation. The camp was in operation from January 2002 to April 2002 and around 300 prisoners were housed there before it closed.
An image of the closed Camp X-Ray, now overgrown with vegetation
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