Kenyan prisoner released from Guantánamo after 18 years without charges

A Kenyan prisoner was released from the detention facility at Guantánamo Bay on Tuesday after spending more than a decade imprisoned without charges.

Mohammed Abdul Malik Bajabu, 51, served 17 years at Guantánamo following accusations of involvement with al Qaeda’s attack on tourists in East Africa.

Bajabu’s release comes after Reprieve, a foreign human rights group, advocated for his freedom through its Life After Guantánamo project. U.S. intelligence officials described him as a compliant detainee since his arrival at Guantánamo in 2007.

Interrogators said he has “not expressed continued support for extremist activity or anti-U.S. sentiments.”

Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin notified Congress of his intent to repatriate Bajabu to Kenya in November. Officials believe he will try to reunite with his wife and children who live in Somalia.

His release leaves 15 other men who have never been charged awaiting release, which has sparked outrage from human rights organizations.

“Transferring Mohammed Abdul Malik Bajabu is certainly a move in the right direction, but it isn’t enough. We hope to see more transfers in the coming days,” Amnesty International wrote in a statement.

“Fifteen men remain who have never been charged with any crimes and have long been cleared by U.S. security agencies to leave Guantánamo, some for more than a decade. As a matter of justice, they should be transferred as soon as possible,” they added.

The Guantánamo Bay detention center was opened by former President Bush in 2002 following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Amnesty International is now calling on President Biden to release individuals detained more than 20 years ago without formal charges.

“President Biden must transfer these men before he leaves office, or he will continue to bear responsibility for the abhorrent practice of indefinite detention without charge or trial by the U.S. government," the group wrote.

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