JEDDAH, 21 May 2006 — A statement from the US Embassy in Riyadh yesterday said Washington is considering the repatriation of more Saudi detainees currently languishing in Guantanamo, Cuba.
“The decision to transfer these Saudi nationals reflects the close cooperation between the United States and Saudi Arabia in combating terrorism and followed extensive consultations between our governments,” the statement said. “We will continue to assess other Saudi nationals currently detained at Guantanamo for possible transfer at later dates.”
Family members of the 15 prisoners who were released Thursday stayed up to early morning hours celebrating the return of their loved ones.
“The whole family hasn’t slept for more than 15 hours because we’re so excited about his return,” said Fahd Al-Subaie, the brother of Abdul Hadi Al-Subaie, one of the repatriated Saudis.
Fahd said that he appreciated the efforts and concern of the Saudi authorities throughout the five years of his brother’s imprisonment. He said that they received the news at about 1:30 a.m. Friday. “When I visited him he was in good condition and had high spirits.”
Um Abdul Rahamn, wife of repatriated detainee Ibrahim Al-Sahli, said her husband hasn’t met his youngest child.
“He has a five-year-old son he hasn’t seen yet,” she said, adding that they are eagerly waiting for the whole family to reunite with her husband. “It would be the happiest day in my life, when my son meets his father for the first time.”
Lawyer Katib Al-Shammari, who represents the families of the Gitmo prisoners, said that the US government needs to do more. “Freeing only 15 of 120 prisoners is not enough,” he said.
Families of currently detained prisoners at Guantanamo said that they are optimistic and they carry faith and hope that their loved ones will be brought back home.
