Ridah Bin Saleh al-Yazidi, a Tunisian national and one of the first detainees held at the Guantanamo Bay detention facility, has been repatriated to Tunisia after more than two decades of detention without formal charges. His release reduces the number of detainees at Guantanamo Bay to 26.
**Background and Detention**
Born on January 24, 1965, in Enfida, Tunisia, al-Yazidi was apprehended by Pakistani forces near the Afghanistan border on December 11, 2001, during the U.S.-led "War on Terror." He was subsequently transferred to Guantanamo Bay on January 11, 2002, the day the facility became operational. Al-Yazidi was assigned Internment Serial Number (ISN) 038 and remained in extrajudicial detention without formal charges throughout his time at the facility.
**Allegations and Assessments**
U.S. authorities alleged that al-Yazidi had affiliations with al-Qaeda and was part of a group fleeing the Battle of Tora Bora. A Joint Task Force Guantanamo assessment dated June 6, 2007, recommended his continued detention, citing potential threats to national security. However, these allegations were contested by human rights organizations, and al-Yazidi consistently denied any involvement with terrorist activities.
**Transfer Eligibility and Delays**
In 2009, under Executive Order 13492, a rigorous interagency review process deemed al-Yazidi eligible for transfer. Despite this determination, his repatriation faced significant delays due to diplomatic challenges and concerns about his safety upon return to Tunisia. Al-Yazidi reportedly declined resettlement in third countries, expressing a preference to return to his homeland.
**Repatriation to Tunisia**
On January 31, 2024, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin notified Congress of his intent to repatriate al-Yazidi to Tunisia. Following consultations with Tunisian authorities to ensure a responsible transfer, al-Yazidi was repatriated on December 30, 2024. The Department of Defense stated that the transfer was conducted in accordance with established procedures and in collaboration with Tunisian partners.
**Current Status of Guantanamo Bay Detainees**
With al-Yazidi's departure, 26 detainees remain at Guantanamo Bay. Of these, 14 are eligible for transfer, three are eligible for Periodic Review Board evaluations, seven are involved in military commission processes, and two have been convicted and sentenced. The Biden administration has expressed a commitment to reducing the detainee population and ultimately closing the facility, continuing efforts initiated during previous administrations.
**International and Human Rights Perspectives**
Guantanamo Bay has been a focal point of international criticism due to concerns over indefinite detention without trial and allegations of human rights abuses. Al-Yazidi's prolonged detention without formal charges exemplifies the complexities and legal challenges associated with the facility. Human rights advocates have called for increased transparency and adherence to due process in handling detainee cases.
**Conclusion**
The repatriation of Ridah Bin Saleh al-Yazidi marks a significant development in the ongoing efforts to address the legacy of Guantanamo Bay. His release underscores the challenges of balancing national security concerns with human rights obligations and the rule of law. As the detainee population continues to decrease, the future of the detention facility remains a subject of international attention and debate.
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