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Last British detainee in Guantánamo Bay to be released Shaker Aamer, UK's last detainee in Guantánamo Bay, to be freed
(35 minutes later)
The US is to release Shaker Aamer, the last British resident to be held at Guantánamo Bay, after 13 years. The US is to release Shaker Aamer, the last British resident to be held at Guantánamo Bay, after 13 years without trial.
The British government said Aamer would be released after a notice period that usually lasts 30 days, and then can finally be reunited with his family.
“The government has regularly raised Mr Aamer’s case with the US authorities and we support President Obama’s commitment to closing the detention facility at Guantánamo Bay,” the spokesman said.
“In terms of next steps, we understand that the US government has notified Congress of this decision and once that notice period has been concluded, Mr Aamer will be returned to the UK.
“As the US has said, we have one of the most robust and effective systems in the world to deal with suspected terrorists and those suspected of engaging in terrorist related activity and we will continue to do all we can to protect people in Britain and around the world from the threat of terrorism.”
Barack Obama is believed to have informed David Cameron of the decision during a phone call on Thursday.Barack Obama is believed to have informed David Cameron of the decision during a phone call on Thursday.
According to senior US defence sources, Aamer’s release was approved following a “thorough review of his case and taking into consideration the robust security assurances that will be provided by the British government”.According to senior US defence sources, Aamer’s release was approved following a “thorough review of his case and taking into consideration the robust security assurances that will be provided by the British government”.
The British government said Aamer would be released after a notice period that usually lasts 30 days, and would then finally be reunited with his family.
“The government has regularly raised Mr Aamer’s case with the US authorities and we support President Obama’s commitment to closing the detention facility at Guantánamo Bay,” the spokesman said.
Related: Pentagon blocking Guantánamo deals to return Shaker Aamer and other cleared detainees
“In terms of next steps, we understand that the US government has notified Congress of this decision and once that notice period has been concluded, Mr Aamer will be returned to the UK.
“As the US has said, we have one of the most robust and effective systems in the world to deal with suspected terrorists and those suspected of engaging in terrorist-related activity and we will continue to do all we can to protect people in Britain and around the world from the threat of terrorism.”
The 46-year-old Saudi national, who has a British wife and four British children living in south London, was originally detained in Afghanistan in 2001. He has worked as a solicitor’s translator and has indefinite leave to remain in the UK.The 46-year-old Saudi national, who has a British wife and four British children living in south London, was originally detained in Afghanistan in 2001. He has worked as a solicitor’s translator and has indefinite leave to remain in the UK.
He was applying for British citizenship when he took his family to Kabul, and was seized by troops fighting alongside US forces. He was subsequently transferred to Guantánamo Bay, where he has been held without charge.He was applying for British citizenship when he took his family to Kabul, and was seized by troops fighting alongside US forces. He was subsequently transferred to Guantánamo Bay, where he has been held without charge.
Aamer was known at times in Guantánamo as “detainee number 239” and became well-known among guards because of his eloquence and leadership amongst other inmates. Aamer was known at times in Guantánamo as “detainee number 239” and became well-known among guards because of his eloquence and leadership among other inmates.
He was instrumental in leading one hunger strike and then ending it, and according to one senior US officer he was greeted like a rock star by fellow detainees.He was instrumental in leading one hunger strike and then ending it, and according to one senior US officer he was greeted like a rock star by fellow detainees.
Aamer was cleared for release by the US in 2007, but has remained in Guantánamo despite this. The reasons for his continued detention remain unclear.Aamer was cleared for release by the US in 2007, but has remained in Guantánamo despite this. The reasons for his continued detention remain unclear.
The US claims he was close to Osama bin Laden, the former leader of al-Qaida, but was never found guilty or even formally accused of any crime.The US claims he was close to Osama bin Laden, the former leader of al-Qaida, but was never found guilty or even formally accused of any crime.
Conservative MP David Davis, who has campaigned for Aamer’s release said: “It is long overdue. It should have happened years ago. Thirteen years without having been charged with or indeed accused of any crime.” David Davis, the Conservative MP and former shadow home secretary, who has long campaigned for Aamer’s release, said: “It is long overdue. It should have happened years ago. Thirteen years without having been charged with, or indeed accused of, any crime.”
He added: “Let’s hope [his release] is implemented as quickly as humanly possible.”He added: “Let’s hope [his release] is implemented as quickly as humanly possible.”
Amnesty International’s UK director, Kate Allen, said the news of his return was a “huge relief”.Amnesty International’s UK director, Kate Allen, said the news of his return was a “huge relief”.
“In the past Mr Aamer has reportedly been at death’s door during a hunger strike and his return to his family in Britain won’t come a moment too soon,” she said.“In the past Mr Aamer has reportedly been at death’s door during a hunger strike and his return to his family in Britain won’t come a moment too soon,” she said.
“The immediate focus should now be on providing medical and other support for Mr Aamer on his return to the UK, but let’s not forget that his 13-year ordeal at Guantánamo has been an absolute travesty of justice.”“The immediate focus should now be on providing medical and other support for Mr Aamer on his return to the UK, but let’s not forget that his 13-year ordeal at Guantánamo has been an absolute travesty of justice.”
Over 100 people remain in Guantánamo, which President Obama wishes to close in the face of stiff opposition. More than 100 people remain detained in Guantánamo, which Obama wishes to close in the face of stiff opposition.