Migrants held on British base in Cyprus liken captivity to Guantanamo Bay

LONDON, Nov. 4 (UPI) -- Migrants held in a British military base in Cyprus are calling for the government to allow them into Britain, comparing their captivity to being held in Guantanamo Bay.

More than 100 people, mostly Syrians, are calling for Prime Minister David Cameron to allow their entry into Britain. The migrants are held at the base in Dhekelia as authorities in Cyprus process their asylum requests.

Footage taken at the camp shows a series of violent incidents, including tents set ablaze. One video appears to show a man attempting to hang himself before British police arrive.

The migrants have likened their experience at the camp to being held in captivity at the notorious Guantanamo Bay U.S. prison in Cuba. Britain's Ministry of Defense said the migrants were being treated well.

"We are aware of a series of incidents at the temporary accommodation facility in Cyprus," the Defense Ministry said in a statement. "Those staying there have access to three meals a day, shelter, privacy and communications, which United Nations staff have visited and say exceeds the standard of comparable set-ups."

One man in a video is seen shouting "we are people, not animals." A 12-year-old child said they are cold as they live in tents.

Migrant Ibrahim Maarouf, 37, urged Cameron to show humanity.

"We're in his hands, if he's a real human and cares for humanity we're human as well," Maarouf said Tuesday, The Telegraph reported. "So don't make a lesson of us. He's making a lesson of us so other people do not come. He won't take us because he's afraid if we go to the U.K. other people will come. We want our freedom."

The Defense Ministry on Tuesday said it moved 14 migrants to Cyprus.

"Those who have been moved include a number who have claimed asylum, as well as those deemed to be vulnerable," the ministry said in a statement. "Their options for either claiming asylum or being repatriated are being discussed with them and they all have access to advice from the [United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees] regarding these options."