In a significant move, the United States has transferred 11 Yemeni detainees from its infamous Guantanamo Bay prison to Oman, where they had languished for more than 20 years without any charges. The US Department of Defense expressed gratitude to Oman for its support in reducing the detainee population, moving towards the eventual closure of the controversial facility. This transfer is part of an ongoing effort in the wake of the US’s expansive “war on terror.”
Amnesty International acknowledged the release but emphasized the lasting blemish that Guantanamo Bay represents for human rights in America. Human Rights organizations long criticized the detention center for its inhumane conditions, calling it a place of “unparalleled notoriety.” The article highlights how this facility was originally established after the 9/11 attacks, housing nearly 800 detainees, primarily Muslim men, from various countries without legal recourse.
One of the released detainees, Sharqawi al-Hajj, had protested his unjust imprisonment through hunger strikes, enduring severe suffering. His lawyer expressed hope for a brighter future after 23 years in captivity. Currently, only 15 detainees remain at Guantanamo, with six uncharged and some cleared for transfer, underlining the continued challenges around the facility’s existence.
In recent days, additional prisoners have been released, including those who had been in Guantanamo since its inception. While various US administrations have sought to close the facility, it still operates weeks before President Biden’s potential exit. Efforts are ongoing to identify proper countries willing to accept the remaining detainees who have not faced any charges.
The US has transferred 11 Yemeni detainees from Guantanamo Bay to Oman, where they were held for over 20 years without charges. This is part of ongoing efforts to reduce the detainee population at Guantanamo Bay. The prison has faced long-standing criticism for human rights violations, with calls to close the facility growing louder as only 15 detainees remain.
The transfer of 11 Yemeni detainees from Guantanamo Bay to Oman marks a pivotal moment in the long-lasting discussion surrounding human rights and the fate of those held without charge. While the release has offered a semblance of hope for some, Guantanamo Bay remains a tarnished emblem of America’s prolonged struggle with justice and human rights. With only 15 detainees remaining, the future of the facility hangs in political balance amidst calls for its closure and further action against the injustices faced by inmates.
The Guantanamo Bay detention facility has been at the center of controversy since its establishment in the wake of the 9/11 attacks in 2001. It was created to hold suspected terrorists under the premise of national security while disregarding the detainees’ rights. Over the years, it has become synonymous with human rights violations, as many detainees have been held for years without charges, subject to harsh treatment, and denied due process. International organizations and human rights advocates have consistently condemned the facility’s operation, calling for its closure and accountability for its practices.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
