(8 Feb 2002)
1. Wide shot military and prisoners behind fence
2. Mid shot military behind fence
3. Wide shot Camp X-Ray
4. Wide shot military vehicle posted outside fence of camp
5. Mid shot military vehicle
6. Mid shot military personnel walking shackled prisoner
7. Mid shot military behind fence
8. Mid shot military personnel walking shackled prisoner
9. Mid shot military personnel behind fence
STORYLINE:
The treaties known together as the Geneva Convention lay out detailed specifics about how prisoners of war must be treated and housed and ensures their release after hostilities end.
Although the treaties include broad language about human rights, they include few specifics about the treatment of priosners who are not officially classed as "prisoners of war" (POWs).
U.S. President George W. Bush said Thursday that prisoners held at Camp X-Ray at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, do not meet the convention's requirements to be POWs.
The distinction is important both in treatment of the detainees now, and in determining how any of them will be prosecuted. Prisoners of war may not be charged with crimes simply because they have fought for an enemy army. They can be charged with violating the laws of war (war crimes or crimes against humanity).
"Unlawful combatants," as the Bush administration calls those it has brought to Guantanamo, could theoretically be tried for a variety of crimes involving terrorism or war crimes. They could be tried before military tribunals, in regular civilian courts or international courts.
The Geneva treaty sets four conditions for qualification as POWs: to be part of a military hierarchy; to wear uniforms or other distinctive signs; to carry arms openly; and to conduct operations in accordance with the laws and customs of war.
The Bush administration has said it is complying with the principles of the Geneva Convention for all prisoners, no matter the legal distinctions.
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