The US has repatriated Ridah Bin Saleh al-Yazidi, a former detainee from Guantanamo Bay, to Tunisia, leaving 26 detainees remaining in the facility. Al-Yazidi’s transfer followed a comprehensive review process, and there are ongoing concerns about the treatment of detainees at the facility, with calls for its closure persisting despite prior commitments from President Biden.
On Monday, the United States Department of Defense announced the repatriation of Ridah Bin Saleh al-Yazidi, a long-standing detainee from Guantanamo Bay, to Tunisia. Al-Yazidi was among the first individuals transferred to the facility following its establishment in 2002 under the administration of President George W. Bush. A statement emphasized that his transfer was justified through a thorough interagency review process, conducted in close cooperation with Tunisian authorities. Currently, there are only 26 detainees remaining at Guantanamo, which once housed nearly 800 individuals at its height. Despite consistent calls from human rights organizations regarding the conditions within the facility, which they deem abusive, Guantanamo remains operational. President Joe Biden expressed intentions to close the facility, yet this goal remains unfulfilled as 14 of the detainees are still considered eligible for transfer.
The repatriation of detainees from Guantanamo Bay is a topical issue that underscores ongoing debates surrounding United States detention policies and human rights. The facility, located at the naval base in Cuba, was established after the September 11 attacks as part of the broader ‘war on terror’ declared by President Bush. It has faced extensive criticism for its treatment of prisoners and the ethical implications surrounding indefinite detention without trial. Human rights advocates and international bodies have repeatedly condemned the prison, calling for its closure due to allegations of torture and other violations of international law.
In summary, the recent repatriation of Ridah Bin Saleh al-Yazidi to Tunisia marks a significant, though small, step in addressing the longstanding issue of detainees at Guantanamo Bay. While the number of inmates continues to decrease, fundamental concerns related to human rights, the legality of detentions, and the future of the facility remain contentious and unresolved. The Biden administration’s pledge to shut down Guantanamo Bay echoes the complexities surrounding counterterrorism strategies and their implications on civil liberties.
Original Source: www.barrons.com
