Rights Experts Call for Immediate Release of Abu Zubaydah from Guantánamo
January 8, 2025
Geneva – A group of independent rights experts appointed by the United Nations Human Rights Council have called for the immediate release of Abu Zubaydah, a Palestinian national who has been held in the U.S.-run detention facility at Guantánamo Bay for over two decades without charge.
In a joint statement, the experts expressed “deep concern” about Zubaydah’s prolonged detention without due process and the reported use of torture against him during his interrogation by the CIA.
“Mr. Zubaydah’s continued detention is a violation of his fundamental human rights, including the right to a fair trial and freedom from torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment,” the experts said.
Zubaydah was captured in Pakistan in 2002 and transferred to Guantánamo Bay. He was allegedly subjected to waterboarding, sleep deprivation, and other torture methods while held by the CIA. In 2006, Zubaydah was cleared for release by a U.S. military review board, but his detention has continued indefinitely.
The experts noted that Zubaydah has never been charged with a crime and that the U.S. government has failed to provide any evidence to justify his continued detention. They also expressed concern that Zubaydah’s mental health has deteriorated significantly during his time in Guantánamo Bay.
“The continued detention of Abu Zubaydah serves no legitimate purpose and only perpetuates the legacy of torture and injustice associated with the U.S. ‘war on terror,'” the experts said.
The experts urged the U.S. government to release Zubaydah immediately and provide him with appropriate medical care and support. They also called for an independent investigation into the use of torture against Zubaydah and other detainees at Guantánamo Bay.
The U.S. government has not yet responded to the experts’ call for Zubaydah’s release. However, a spokesperson for the White House said that the government “continues to review the status of detainees at Guantánamo Bay” and that “any decision on their release will be made in accordance with the law.”
The case of Abu Zubaydah has drawn international attention and has been condemned by human rights organizations around the world. Many believe that his release would be a significant step towards restoring the United States’ reputation as a champion of human rights.
Rights experts call for immediate release of Abu Zubaydah from Guantánamo
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