Biden Administration Transfers 11 Guantanamo Detainees to Oman After Decades Without Charge
The Biden administration made a significant move by transferring 11 Yemeni men to Oman this week after more than two decades of detention without charge at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
This transfer represents a pivotal moment in the administration’s efforts to clear Guantanamo of detainees who were never charged with a crime, reducing the total number of detainees to 15, the lowest since 2002.
Push for Closure
Among the men transferred was Sharqawi al Hajj, a detainee who had protested his 21 years in prison through hunger strikes and hospitalizations. His release underscores the ongoing advocacy by rights groups and lawmakers to close Guantanamo or release detainees never charged with a crime.
Over the years, Guantanamo has held hundreds of detainees, with many coming from conflict-ridden countries like Yemen. The recent transfer highlights the challenges of finding suitable countries willing to accept these individuals, especially in the midst of geopolitical complexities.
Remaining Detainees
Following this transfer, six men remain in detention at Guantanamo without charges, while two are convicted and sentenced. Additionally, seven others are facing charges related to various terrorist acts.
The Biden administration’s focus on resolving the issue of Guantanamo detainees reflects a broader commitment to human rights and the rule of law in national security practices.
