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Writer's pictureAfrodescendant Ali

The Ongoing Dilemma of Guantanamo Bay Detainees

# Editorial: The Ongoing Dilemma of Guantanamo Bay Detainees


The recent repatriation of three detainees from Guantanamo Bay, including a Kenyan man held for 17 years without charge, underscores a troubling aspect of U.S. counterterrorism policy that continues to haunt our legal and moral landscape. As the Biden administration faces increasing pressure to address the fates of those still detained without trial, it is essential to reflect on the implications of indefinite detention and its impact on human rights.


For over two decades, Guantanamo Bay has served as a symbol of the United States' controversial "war on terror." While the facility was initially established in the wake of the September 11 attacks to detain suspected terrorists, it has since become a testament to the failures of a system that often prioritizes security over justice. The detention of individuals without charge raises serious ethical questions, particularly when many have been cleared of wrongdoing but remain imprisoned.


The recent transfer of Malaysian detainees, who pleaded guilty to charges related to the Bali bombings, highlights the complexity of this issue. While they are being repatriated under strict monitoring and rehabilitation programs, the situation of those like Mohammed Abdul Malik Bajabu, who have never been charged, remains precarious. With 15 men still awaiting release, the U.S. must confront the reality that indefinite detention without trial is not only a human rights violation but also a breeding ground for resentment and anti-American sentiment.


As the global community watches, the U.S. must take decisive steps to close Guantanamo Bay and ensure that all detainees receive fair trials. Ending this practice is not just a matter of legality; it is about restoring our commitment to human rights and the rule of law. The Biden administration must act swiftly to address this legacy of injustice, or risk perpetuating a cycle of violence and mistrust.


The time has come for the U.S. to reaffirm its commitment to justice by closing Guantanamo Bay and ensuring that all individuals are treated with dignity and respect, regardless of the charges they face.


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