Home -> Law Blog Directory -> Legal News Blogs -> JURIST - The Paper Chase

Legal News

: JURIST - The Paper Chase

Iraq official confirms Guantanamo prisoners transfer

By Bernard Hibbitts (editor) and University of Pittsburgh School of Law students.

[JURIST] A senior Iraqi official confirmed Monday that four Iraqi prisoners were released from the Guantanamo Bay military prison into Iraqi custody for further interrogation. The anonymous official also confirmed that only one Iraqi citizen remains a prisoner at Guantanamo. The US Department of Defense (DOD) announced last month that the four Iraqi prisoners were released and returned to Iraq. Prisoner Hassan Abdul Hadi al-Jawhar's family was informed of his release by the International Red Cross, but they have not received any information on where he is currently located. Hassan, who was arrested in Afghanistan based on his association with the Taliban and his participation in the anti-Saddam resistance in Iraq, was never charged with a crime. Abbas Habid Rumi al-Naely is another of the released prisoners whose whereabouts remained unknown until today. Last month, US President Barack Obama issued an executive order to close the Guantanamo prison in no more than one year. The policy shift has been hailed by human rights groups and international leaders. Last week, the Pentagon formally dropped charges against suspected USS Cole bomber Abd al-Rahimal al-Nashiri, ending the last active military commission trial and complying with Obama's executive order mandating a reprieve of the prosecution of all cases at Guantanamo Bay.

Full post as published by JURIST - The Paper Chase on February 09, 2009 (boomark / email).