Many of the detainees there had been handed over in exchange for bounties and have never had access to lawyers or the evidence that might be used against them.

The United States is a country of rights and justice. Guantanamo has neither. Guantanamo must be shut down and detainees should either be charged and given a fair trial or released.

Anything less goes against the ideals of our country and is demeaning to all Americans who believe in our Constitution.

On Jan. 11, I held in my prayers detainees, guards and everyone responsible for this national embarrassment. I invite others to join me in the hope that anyone involved with Guantanamo will find humanity, justice and peace as soon as possible.

Emily Box

Salt Lake City