During a reporter's tour of the 48-bed facility in January 2005, Edmundson revealed, in an off-hand comment, that 23 detainees had tried to hang themselves in a simultaneous mass-suicide bid in late 2003.[1]
Following the June 10, 2006 suicide bid Edmundson told reporters that the three men had all had routine Psychological tests administered because they were participating in the recent hunger strike.[2][3]
Edmundson said that the men showed no sign of despair or suicidal tendencies.
Edmundson's boss, Admiral Harry Harris, stirred controversy by calling the suicides "acts of asymmetrical warfare".[4]
A June 28, 2006
Los Angeles Times article quotes Edmundson: "If you ask my opinion, I agree with the admiral that this was somewhat of a political statement."
