The U.S. Department of Defense announced the release of Ridah Bin Saleh al-Yazidi, the fourth prisoner repatriated from Guantánamo Bay in October 2023. This decision leaves 26 detainees at the facility, which has faced criticism for human rights violations since its establishment in 2002.
The Pentagon announced the repatriation of Ridah Bin Saleh al-Yazidi, a long-term detainee at Guantánamo Bay, to Tunisia, marking the fourth release of a prisoner from the facility this month. Al-Yazidi had been held at the prison since its establishment on January 11, 2002, under President George W. Bush. The Defense Department emphasized that he was found eligible for transfer through a meticulous interagency review process and noted that this transfer was conducted in coordination with Tunisian authorities.
Guantánamo Bay detention facility was established in the wake of the September 11, 2001, attacks as part of the U.S. government’s “war on terror”. It has since been criticized for human rights abuses, including torture. As of the most recent reports, there are currently 26 prisoners remaining at the facility, down from a peak of approximately 800. Despite President Biden’s commitment to close Guantánamo, the facility continues to operate, with ongoing legal and human rights concerns.
In summary, Ridah Bin Saleh al-Yazidi’s transfer to Tunisia underscores the ongoing efforts to reduce the detainee population at Guantánamo Bay. Although there are still 26 individuals held there, with a significant number eligible for transfer or under review, the facility remains a focal point of human rights debates and legal proceedings.
Original Source: www.cbsnews.com
