U.S. Repatriates Guantanamo Detainee Ridah Bin Saleh al-Yazidi to Tunisia
The U.S. Defense Department has repatriated Ridah Bin Saleh al-Yazidi, a long-term detainee from Guantanamo Bay, to Tunisia. This transfer follows a detailed review that deemed him eligible. Currently, 26 prisoners remain incarcerated at Guantanamo, down from a peak of 800, amidst ongoing debates on human rights concerns and calls for the facility’s closure.
On Monday, the U.S. Defense Department announced the repatriation of Ridah Bin Saleh al-Yazidi, a long-held detainee from Guantanamo Bay, back to Tunisia. Al-Yazidi, one of the prison’s earliest inmates, was cleared for transfer following a comprehensive interagency review process. The Defense Department emphasized that the necessary procedures for a responsible transfer were completed in collaboration with Tunisian authorities. As noted in the release, only 26 detainees now remain at the facility, a significant reduction from approximately 800 at its peak.
The Guantanamo Bay detention facility was established in 2002 under President George W. Bush as part of the U.S. response to the September 11 attacks and the subsequent war on terror. Its controversial existence has been marked by accusations of human rights abuses, including torture, against detainees. Despite calls from human rights advocates for its closure and promises from President Joe Biden to shut it down, the facility continues to operate, with few detainees processed for release. Al-Yazidi’s repatriation marks a continued effort to reduce the population at the detention center, yet substantial challenges remain regarding the status of the remaining prisoners.
The repatriation of Ridah Bin Saleh al-Yazidi to Tunisia signifies a crucial step in the ongoing effort to address the detainee situation at Guantanamo Bay. While the U.S. government continues to work on the legal and ethical concerns surrounding the facility, the enduring presence of numerous detainees highlights the complex challenges that persist in the context of national security and human rights.
Original Source: www.barrons.com
