Government seeks more delay in release of Gitmo tapes

The Justice Department is asking a federal appeals court to overturn a judge's decision to release 32 secret videotapes that show guards at Guantanamo Bay forcibly removing a detainee from his cell and subjecting him to forced feedings.

In October, U.S. District Judge Gladys Kessler ordered the public release of videotapes of hunger-striking prisoner Abu Wa'el Dhiab. Kessler had stopped the planned release at the government's request.

In a court filing Tuesday, the department also said it is asking Kessler to extend the delay in releasing the tapes until its appeal is resolved. The Justice Department said releasing the tapes during the appeal would deprive the government of any meaningful opportunity to contest public disclosure of classified information.

The videotapes are classified "secret."