British AG: Shut down Guantanamo

LONDON, May 10 (UPI) -- A top British official has called for the United States to close its terrorist detention center at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, calling it "unacceptable."

British Attorney General, Lord Peter Goldsmith, said he isn't sure whether the detention center is legal.

The detention center was opened in 2002. It houses nearly 500 suspected terrorists.

Goldsmith said the detention center was a symbol of injustice.

"The historic tradition of the United States as a beacon of freedom, liberty and of justice deserves the removal of this symbol," he said.

The BBC reports British Prime Minister Tony Blair called the detention center an "anomaly" and on Sunday U.S. President George W. Bush said he'd like it to be closed too.

Human rights groups have criticized the camp over allegations of detainee abuse and administration policy allowing prisoners to be held indefinitely without trial.