The Intercept reports on the imprisonment and abuse of the released Guantanamo Bay prisoner Saeed Bakhouch upon his return to Algeria, despite assurances by the US State Department that he would be treated humanely upon his return to his home country.
Saeed Bakhouch had faced 21 years of detention without charge before being repatriated to Algeria in April this year. He is now being held in pre-trial detention.
Maya Foa, Director of Reprieve, said: “In the course of Reprieve’s Life After Guantánamo work we have consistently seen how hard it is for men subjected to this appalling mistreatment over many years to escape further persecution — whether repatriated or transferred to host countries. For many men, the abuse follows them forever; the stain of Guantánamo does not disappear once they are transferred.
“Arbitrarily detaining so many men without trial has indelibly stained the USA’s reputation as a country founded on the rule of law. Rehabilitation, reintegration, and reparation for all the men is the direct responsibility of the US Government.”