by Robert G. Gard
On January 22, President Barack Obama signed an executive order that closes the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay within one year. The order also ends the Central Intelligence Agency’s secret overseas prison program and bans torture.
Joining Obama at the Oval Office signing ceremony was Lt. General Robert Gard, chairman of the Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation. Gard has been highly involved in efforts to stop torture and shut down Guantanamo, including as a member of the bipartisan Campaign to Ban Torture.
Brigadier General John Johns, board member of the Center’s sister organization, the Council for a Livable World, was also present at the signing due to his advocacy for closing Guantanamo.
