November 15, 2009 Gitmo detainees controversy heats up Play video

(NECN/ABC) - The Guantanamo Bay Prison has been a source of controversy almost from its inception. The debate over how to treat the detainees received more fuel from Attorney General Eric Holder.

He announced self-proclaimed 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and four others will be tried in a civilian Federal Court, rather than at a military tribunal.

"This is a decision that the attorney general, the Department of Justice and the Department of Defense have made after extensive, exhaustive review," Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said..

Appearing ABC's This Week, former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani asked why we are giving additional benefits to terrorists and adding unnecessary risk to the city.

"I'm troubled by the symbolism of it, also. It seems to me that the Obama administration is getting away from the fact that we're at war with these terrorists," Giuliani said.

During his campaign President Obama promised to close the Guantanamo facility. The chief obstacle has been what to with the inmates.

ABC's Deirdre Bryant reports.