[JURIST] The US military plans to turn a new medium-security building [JURIST report] at Guantanamo Bay [JURIST news archive] into a maximum-security facility and enhance security in its existing structures at the military detention center, according to deputy commander Brig. Gen. Edward A. Leacock [official profile]. Leacock told reporters earlier this week that security upgrades include constant guard escorts around the facility, newer surveillance technology, and the suspension of detainee group meetings. The military claims that hundreds of attacks on guards at the facility recently made public in a Freedom of Information Act request [JURIST report] necessitate the tighter restrictions, especially since the number of attacks increased dramatically in July 2005 when dozens of detainees began a hunger strike [JURIST report]. Guards were also attacked on the same day that three detainees hung themselves in their cells [JURIST report] in June.

The US is under increasing international pressure to shut down Guantanamo and release its prisoners. Last week, UK Attorney General Lord Goldsmith [official profile] called on the US to close the prison [JURIST report] at an International Bar Association event in Chicago. AP has more.