A detailed insight into the inner workings of the Guantánamo detention camp, ranging from items allowed in cells to how many witnesses should be present for cavity searches, is provided in a leaked Pentagon manual.

See the full manual here (pdf)

More than 350 prisoners are still held in Guantánamo. The manual covers almost every possible aspect of life at the base, from arrival to burial. A page carries a graphic showing how Muslims should be buried.

Although the manual dates back to 2003, the year after the camp at the US navy base in Cuba opened, it offers a rare glimpse of life in the high security camp.

The 238 pages list the rules governing the daily life of the prisoners but also provides insights into how the US guards and interrogators view the inmates.

It details an elaborate reward system in which prisoners who show signs of cooperating or at least responding positively are rewarded with "comfort items" such as a regular bar of soap rather than a small one.

It covers how to identify potential leaders, orders latex gloves to be used when handling mail in case of hazardous chemicals, and the number of MPs to be present when prisoners take showers.

Lieutenant Colonel Ed Bush, a Guantánamo spokesman said today that the document, which was labelled, 'unclassified, for official use only', should not have been made public, even if much of it was outdated. Many changes to operating procedures had been made since then, he said.

The leaked manual first appeared on Wikileaks, a web site that invites people to send in sensitive documents.

The manual tells how prisoners should be isolated to make them more cooperative. It is part of what the manual calls the Behaviour Management Plan, meant to isolate the captive and "enhance and exploit the disorientation and disorganisation felt by a newly arrived detainee".

On arrival, they were denied basics and access to a Qu'ran. But afterwards all prisoners were given one. "Do not disrespect the Qu'ran (let it touch the floor, kick it, step on it)," the manual says.

One of the most contentious parts of the manual is that it states that some prisoners are not guaranteed access to the International Red Cross, in spite of repeated assertions by the organisation that it had full access.

It said that level four prisoners should have: "No Access: No contact of any kind with the ICRC. This includes the delivery of ICRC mail."

Rewards for positive behaviour, in addition to soap, include being allowed to take meals to their cells, access to games such as football and cards, and three showers a week instead of the standard two.

Prisoners are allowed two 20-minute periods a week in the recreation yard but cooperative inmates were allowed three.

But some practices were denied to all inmates, including "hanging towel in cell to block sun or light at night when sleeping".

The manual also refers to visits by the media, suggesting themes to discuss with reporters, such as GWOT (Global War on Terror). Point of view to be taken: "We are making progress in the GWOT through a concerted effort with our coalition partners."

Key points revealed in the manual:



· On arrival, the Behaviour Management Plan kicks into action: the aim is to "enhance and exploit the disorientation and disorganisation felt by a newly arrived detainee".



· An elaborate reward system to try to encourage cooperation. Rewards include bigger pieces of soap, and more time in the recreation yard.



· In spite of repeated assertions by the International Red Cross of full access, the manual makes it clear that such access would be denied to some prisoners.



· Guards and other security staff told lines to take with media, particularly on GWOT (Global War on Terror). "We are making progress in the GWOT through a concerted effort with our coalition partners."

