The United States' Supreme Court has essentially revived a case against senior U.S. military officials launched by former detainees at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
The justices Monday ordered an appeals court in Washington to reconsider its January 2008 dismissal of a lawsuit brought by four British men. The former detainees say they were tortured and prevented from freely practicing Islam during their imprisonment at the U.S. military detention facility.
They argue that their treatment violated the U.S. Religious Freedom Restoration Act.
The Supreme Court says the lower court must review the case based on the high court's ruling in June. At that time, the Supreme Court said foreign terrorism suspects held at Guantanamo can challenge their detentions in civilian courts.
The Bush administration has repeatedly said detainees in U.S. custody are treated humanely. About 250 men are still being held at Guantanamo.
Some information for this report was provided by AFP and AP.
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