Secret Gitmo Punishment Block Cost $700K

A once-secret Guantanamo disciplinary cell block was built for a whopping $700,000, reports the Miami Herald. The existence of "Camp Five-Echo"—intended as a grim punishment section for "uncooperative" detainees—was only confirmed last week, even though it was built by the military in 2007. The 24-unit boxcar-style block walls off prisoners with no view beyond their steel cells. Saudi-born Shaker Aamer, 45, a British resident, has been held there more than 100 days, said his attorney. "In Shaker’s case it’s prolonged solitary confinement. The conditions are cruel,” the lawyer added, noting that his client hasn't been a troublemaker, but is considered too "charismatic" to be housed with other prisoners. (More US military stories.)