Guantanamo lawyer's concerns about cancer cluster are being investigated
A Guantanamo lawyer’s request for an investigation into cancer deaths among those working on detainee trials has gotten the attention of the U.S. Navy.
Guantanamo base spokeswoman Kelly Wirfel said in a statement that the U.S. Navy is investigating “whatever steps may be necessary” to address concerns about possible carcinogens, report Reuters and the Miami Herald.
The complaint, filed by a Navy Reserves lawyer, lists the names of seven people who have been diagnosed with cancer after working at the military commissions site. One former war court lawyer, Navy Lt. Cmdr. Bill Kuebler, died of cancer on July 17 at the age of 44. He had defended former detainee Omar Khadr.
The Miami Herald investigated and found nine persons who had worked at the Camp Justice site who have been diagnosed with cancer. Kuebler was among three cancer patients, aged 35 to 52, who died in the last 13 months.
The complaint points to possible carcinogens from jet fuel disposal and asbestos. The detainees are held in a separate area on the base.
