A total of 775 detainees have been brought to Guantanamo. Although most of these have been released without charge, the United States government continues to classify many of these released detainees as “enemy combatants”. As of January 5, 2017, 55 detainees remained at Guantanamo, and by January 19, 2017, at the end of the Obama Administration, the detention center remained open with 41 detainees remaining. Now, after more than 16 years in custody, a 73-year old Pakistani prisoner, who is also the oldest prisoner at Guantanamo Bay, has finally been approved for release. What Happened: On May 17th, the prisoner review board informed Saifullah Paracha that he had been cleared for release and would subsequently be returned to his homeland, according to Shelby Sullivan-Bennis, who represented Paracha at a hearing before the board in November. Sullivan-Bennis said the notification did not provide details about the decision and concluded only that Paracha was “not a continuing threat” to the United States, but was hopeful that he will return to Pakistan in the next few months. The Context: Paracha was suspected of having ties to Al-Qaeda. Authorities alleged he was an Al Qaeda “facilitator” who helped two of the conspirators in the September 11 plot with a financial transaction. Paracha vehemently denied involvement in terrorism and claimed he was unaware that the transaction was made to the Al-Qaeda. Consequently, he was captured in Thailand in 2003 and has been detained at Guantanamo since September 2004. In November, an ailing Paracha, suffering from diabetes and a heart condition appeared before the review board for the eighth time, which was established under former US president Barack Obama to ensure that prisoners who could potentially engage in anti-US hostilities upon their release were not freed. Following Biden’s election and Paracha’s worsening health conditions, his attorney was more hopeful about his prospects of release. What Next: The notification of Paracha’s approval for release did not provide details of when the decision will actually be implemented. Moreover, no immediate comments have been made by Pentagon spokespersons as yet. While his release and return to Pakistan are not imminent, the decision signals a crucial step before the US government negotiates a repatriation agreement with Pakistan for his return.
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