In a significant move, the US military has transferred Ridah bin Saleh al-Yazidi, a detainee held at Guantanamo Bay since its inception in 2002, back to Tunisia. The Pentagon confirmed this transfer as the fourth in a series of releases under the Biden administration, which aims to reduce the camp’s population, currently at 40 detainees. Al-Yazidi, who was never charged with a crime, was approved for transfer over a decade ago, but the agreement with Tunisia was only finalized recently.
Captured near Afghanistan by Pakistani soldiers in December 2001 and suspected of being an al-Qaeda fighter, al-Yazidi was cleared for transfer by a thorough review process. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin notified Congress about his decision to support this repatriation on January 31, 2024, marking a significant step in addressing the legal and human rights issues surrounding Guantanamo.
The facility, infamous for housing nearly 800 prisoners, operates under a controversial military legal system that doesn’t provide the same rights as traditional courts. Al-Yazidi’s release reflects a broader shift as the Biden administration works to close the controversial chapter of Guantanamo, with 26 detainees still there and continuing discussions on possible transfers for others eligible for release.
The US military has transferred Ridah bin Saleh al-Yazidi, a long-held Guantanamo detainee, back to Tunisia as part of an effort to reduce the prison’s population. This release, the fourth in two weeks, highlights ongoing concerns regarding human rights and the facility’s controversial past. Al-Yazidi was cleared for transfer years ago and has never faced charges.
The transfer of Ridah bin Saleh al-Yazidi to Tunisia symbolizes a significant turning point for the US military’s handling of detainees at Guantanamo Bay. As the Biden administration works to diminish the prison’s population, this move highlights both the unresolved legal dilemmas surrounding the facility and the enduring commitment to address human rights concerns. With 26 detainees remaining, the future of Guantanamo Bay continues to unfold amidst these challenging diplomatic negotiations.
The Guantanamo Bay detention facility was established in 2002 to house individuals during the US’s ‘war on terror’ launched after the September 11 attacks. Since then, it has been criticized for human rights abuses, with many detainees held without charge. Over the years, various Presidents have attempted to close the facility due to the legal and ethical concerns surrounding its operations, but political barriers have hindered these efforts. The transfer of al-Yazidi demonstrates the US’s ongoing effort to manage the camp’s population and resolve longstanding cases.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
