WASHINGTON: Joe Biden’s administration has approved the release of a Pakistani prisoner, Saifullah Paracha, who was detained for 16 Years at Guantanamo Prison on suspicion of ties with former Al Qaeda chief Osama Bin Laden.
The 73-year-old Paracha was among the oldest prisoner at the world’s most controversial prison with inhumane restrictions. According to a report in US newspaper, he has also been marked as among the sickest prisons – who is diagnosed with multiple diseases including cardiovascular issues, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure
Amid the recent announcement of the release of 3 prisoners on Monday, a Pakistani detainee at the Guantanamo Bay detention center held on suspicion of close connections with Al-Qaeda but never charged with a crime.
A prisoner review board of Guantanamo Bay cleared the oldest prison along with two other men, his legal representative Shelby Sullivan-Bennis said. Adding that, ‘he will be returned home in the next several months. The Pakistanis want him back, and our understanding is that there are no impediments to his return’.
US intelligence alleged that he financially facilitated Osama bin Laden and other Al Qaeda members including September 11 attackers. However, Paracha denied any kind of involvement in terror activities. He was captured in 2003 from Thailand and has detained at Guantanamo since September 2004.
Earlier in November last year, he made his eighth appearance before the committee, which was established under former US President Obama to try to prevent the release of prisoners.
Meanwhile, the notification cited his release did not provide reasoning for holding him behind lone cell however it added that Paracha is not a continuing threat to the United States.
Newly elected US President Joe Biden expressed intentions to close the detention center as former President Donald Trump halted the whole process despite several objections from human rights activists.
Let it be known that the two other prisoners to be released are Abdul Rabbani, 54 years old Pakistani, and a Yemini prisoner Uthman Abdul al-Rahim Uthman, 40. Both detainees have also not been charged with any offense since their confinement.
As per the history of the US cruelest prison, it is also unclear when and where the three men will go after discharge as some of the other detainees who have been cleared for release over the years have been waiting for a decade for another country to agree to take them.
As per the report of the Pakistani newspaper, Paracha is among 40 prisoners who are still behind bars at Guantanamo. Earlier in 2003, the number of detained was said to be around 700.
- Misleading Video Alters Prime Minister Shehbaz’s Speech Targeting Political Rival, Not His Party - 21/04/2024
- ATC Grants Three-Day Remand for Suspects in Ichhra Bazaar Harassment Case - 19/03/2024
- Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh Lead World in Severe Smog Crisis, Exceeding WHO Guidelines - 19/03/2024
