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غوانتانامو

Oman Receives Yemeni Detainees 

The Sultanate of Oman has received eleven Yemeni detainees from Guantanamo Bay, released by the United States after enduring over two decades of suffering characterised by severe violations that amount to crimes against humanity, including torture in CIA black sites. 

The released Yemeni detainees are: 

  1. Abdulsalam al-Hila 

  2. Abdu Ali al-Haj Sharqawi 

  3. Khalid Ahmed Qasim 

  4. Othman Abdul Rahim Mohammed Othman 

  5. Moath Hamza Ahmed al-Alwi 

  6. Zuhair Abdo Anam Said al-Sharabi 

  7. Hani Saleh Rashid Abdullah 

  8. Omar Mohammed Ali al-Rammah 

  9. Tawfiq Nasser Ahmed al-Bihani 

  10. Sanad Yaslam al-Kazimi 

  11. Hassan Mohammed Ali bin Attash 

According to the Pentagon, of the 15 detainees remaining at Guantanamo, three are eligible for immediate transfer to their home countries or third countries, while the cases of three others are under review for potential release. Seven have been formally charged, and two others have been convicted. 

Tunisian Detainee Repatriated 

This follows the recent announcement of the transfer of Tunisian detainee Ridha bin Saleh al-Yazidi from Guantanamo to his home country. Al-Yazidi, born in 1965, was sent to Guantanamo in 2002. His whereabouts have remained unknown since his transfer to Tunisia, raising concerns about his rights. 

Alkarama calls on the Tunisian authorities to uphold their legal obligations under both domestic and international law, ensure al-Yazidi's rights are respected, and allow him to resume his life with his family without restrictions. 

Oman and the UAE 

In December 2016, Oman also received ten Guantanamo detainees at the request of the United States, citing humanitarian concerns. The Omani Foreign Ministry stated that the arrangement was temporary and aimed at addressing their humanitarian needs. In contrast, Yemeni detainees sent to the UAE reportedly faced mistreatment. Families of those relocated to Oman have expressed satisfaction with the respectful treatment they received. 

Between November 2015 and January 2017, the UAE received around 18 Yemeni detainees from Guantanamo, initially promising rehabilitation programmes lasting six to twelve months. However, they remained in UAE detention for years, reportedly facing abuses described as worse than those at Guantanamo itself. It was not until August 2021, following condemnation by UN human rights experts, that these detainees were released and returned to Yemen. 

Alkarama's Advocacy 

For years, Alkarama has prioritised the issue of Guantanamo detainees, engaging in advocacy efforts alongside families and non-governmental organisations to highlight the plight of detainees and their loved ones. While the release of Yemeni detainees marks progress, Alkarama remains concerned about those still detained, calling for their immediate and unconditional release. 

Alkarama also urges Yemeni authorities and the international community to assist former detainees in reintegrating into society, reuniting with their families, and addressing the harm they have endured. Furthermore, Alkarama stresses the need for the United States to fulfil its pledge to close Guantanamo by transferring cleared detainees and providing fair legal solutions for those still detained.