NSHR Expects Early Return of Remaining Gitmo Detainees

Tuesday, 01 January 2008
By Kholood F. Al-Rhamah

JEDDAH - The National Society for Human Rights (NSHR) is expecting an early return of the remaining 13 Saudi prisoners from Guantanamo.

A new batch of 10 Saudis arrived in the Kingdom Saturday. "We praise the efforts which led to the release of 117 prisoners so far, and we are seriously hoping for the early return of the remaining 13 Saudis," said Dr. Mufleh Al-Qahtani, NSHR spokesman and its vice president.

NSHR is following up the prisoners' conditions in Guantanamo and continuing with the demands to release them and bring them back to the Kingdom. The Society works as a link between families and the returning prisoners.

"We visit the prisoners in jail and meet their families and facilitate the procedures for them to meet, and keep the families on the loop of any information about the detainees," said Suhailah Zain Al-Abedeen, NSHR member.

She said NSHR has a special committee to follow up with the prisoners' condition in Guantanamo. It meets regularly to discuss and take updates on their situation. NSHR praised the Ministry of Interior's rehabilitation program.

"The program focuses on health care, financial support for the prisoners' families, rehabilitating prisoners in the society and a guidance program," said Al-Qahtani.

NSHR is also asking for closing down the Guantanamo Bay prison, because it violates all international treaties on human rights.

"Many American politicians believe the prison is a bad publicity to the Bush administration, and that's why they are looking forward to its closure," said Al-Qahtani.