Guerra contra o terrorismo e o direito penal do inimigo na prisão de Guantânamo

Abstract

The present work investigates the application of the Enemy Criminal Law theory in the war against terrorism, particularly, in the prison of Guantanamo, and the paradigm shift in Criminal Garantism, especially after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Therefore, this study analyzed the wishes of the American Society against terrorism and the thirst for an exacerbated punitivism in a context of criminal law expansion, which leads to the relaxation of human rights as a consequence of an exceptional regime. Subsequently, this thesis presents a confrontation between the Enemy Criminal Law theory its characteristics, foundations and philosophical assumptions and the Criminal Garantism theory with its focus on greater protection of human rights in a democratic state. Shortly thereafter, this study focus on the definitions, characteristics and consequences of terrorism that triggered the development of harsh laws against terrorism and also the practice of torture in Guantanamo. This thesis, also examined the international standards of human rights protection, several international conventions against terrorism and some measures historically adopted by the UN in similar cases. Last but not least, in the light of the practices of torture conducted at Guantanamo this study reveals an attempt to deconstruct the Criminal Garantism theory and the protection of human rights, illustrating the current conflict between protecting national security and respect for human rights.