San Juan:
The attorney for a Guantanamo Bay prisoner from Syria cleared for release in 2009 says his health has deteriorated severely as a result of an ongoing hunger strike.
Cori Crider said in a phone interview on Tuesday that she has requested an urgent independent medical examination for 43-year-old Abu Wa'el Dhiab. Crider is an attorney and a director for British legal rights group Reprieve.
She said she expects a judge to respond this week.
Crider said Dhiab has been on a hunger strike since February 2013, with only a brief interruption earlier this year when he thought he was going home.
She said officials also have denied Dhiab the use of a wheelchair except for appointments.
Guantanamo spokesman Navy Capt. Tom Gresback did not respond to a message seeking comment.