Shaker Aamer Is Released From Guantánamo Prison After 13 Years
Source: NYT
WASHINGTON — Shaker Aamer, whose detention at the Guantánamo Bay prison in Cuba attracted the attention of human rights lawyers, political leaders and rock stars, was freed on Friday after more than 13 years in captivity, British officials announced. Mr. Aamer, a Saudi citizen and British resident, was flown to London.
Mr. Aamer’s transfer, which was confirmed by the British foreign secretary, Philip Hammond, ends one of the best-known cases at the American prison.
At its center was a charismatic, English-speaking detainee who has been the subject of intense dispute. Military officials have portrayed Mr. Aamer, 46, as a dangerous Islamist leader, while human rights advocates see him as a victim falsely accused of ties to terrorism. Now Mr. Aamer will be free to speak his mind in public.
“We are, of course, delighted that Shaker is on his way back to his home and his family here in the U.K.,” one of his lawyers, Cori Crider of the British human rights organization Reprieve, said in a statement. “It is long, long past time. Shaker now needs to see a doctor, and then get to spend time alone with his family, as soon as possible.”
Read more: http://www.nytimes.com/2015/10/31/world/shaker-aamer-released-guantanamo-bay-cuba.html
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