The US government plans to build a large compound at the Guantanamo Bay prison camp to host war crimes trials, the Miami Herald reported Saturday. The proposed compound would cost up to 125 million dollars (98 million euros) and provide housing and working places for up to 1,200 people. Equipped with two courtrooms, it could be ready by next July if the plans are approved. Human rights activists have strongly criticized the plans. "Once again, the Defence Department seems to be operating in - even constructing - its own universe," said Larry Cox, executive director of Amnesty International's US division. New York civil liberties lawyer Michael Ratner said the compound would be used to carry out unconstitutional "kangaroo trials."
The plans must still go before the US Congress for approval. The Democrats won control of both houses in November 7 elections and the new Congress meets for the first time in January. The Guantanamo Bay prison camp holds around 450 prisoners which the Pentagon classifies as "enemy combatants."