Shaker Aamer Finally To Be Released From Guantanamo Bay

Despite being accused by the US of being a "Key aide and Fund Raiser" for Al Qaeda, they were unable in 13 years, to present any kind of evidence to back up their claims. Now, he is finally to be released. Oh and by the way, he will get a £1 Million payout for his troubles.....

Shut Guantanamo, urges Cameron as he hails release of Shaker Aamer, the last Briton to be held at the camp
Prime Minister http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/david_cameron/index.html David Cameron called for the closure of Guantanamo Bay

He said he was ‘pleased’ that father-of-four Shaker Aamer will return to UK
But he stressed it was important for fight against terrorism to close camp

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/home/search.html?s=&authornamef=Jack+Doyle,+Political+Correspondent,+for+the+Daily+Mail Jack Doyle, Political Correspondent, for the Daily Mail
Published: 00:54, 28 September 2015 | Updated: 09:29, 28 September 2015 Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3251480/Shut-Guantanamo-m-pleased-Shaker-release-says-Cameron-demands-camp-closed.html#ixzz3n1Qt6F80 http://www.dailymail...l#ixzz3n1Qt6F80 David Cameron last night called for the closure of Guantanamo Bay as he welcomed the imminent return of Shaker Aamer to Britain.

The http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/david_cameron/index.html Prime Minister said he was ‘pleased’ that the father of four, the last British resident detained in the prison, was being released.Mr Cameron, who had lobbied the US for Mr Aamer’s release, said Britain should ‘play our part’ with individuals who have a link to this country.He also sought to reassure the public about any potential threat from a man the US authorities accuse of links to terrorism.

Mr Aamer’s release – after a 14-year ordeal – was finally announced on Friday. It followed a tireless campaign for justice by the Daily Mail.Speaking to reporters on his way to the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Mr Cameron said ‘everything to ensure public safety’ would be put in place following Mr Aamer’s return to Britain. His comments were seen as an indication Mr Aamer could face monitoring by security agencies on his return.

Mr Cameron said: ‘I’ve raised this case in meetings with the President and I’m pleased this has happened, above all because we want to see Guantanamo Bay closed. ‘I think it’s important for the global campaign against violent extremism that that happens.‘And so Britain should play our part with people who have a connection to Britain which Shaker Aamer does.‘I obviously want to reassure people that everything to ensure public safety is put in place, but I’m glad this has been brought to a conclusion.

The imminent release of the 48-year-old was confirmed by the US authorities on Friday afternoon, sparking celebrations among his supporters and family. He is expected home within a month. It followed a telephone conversation between President Obama and the Prime Minister on Thursday night.

Yesterday, Mr Aamer’s family pleaded with authorities to confirm exactly when he would be released.In a statement, they said their hopes have been ‘dashed before’, but described Friday as ‘a good day’.They added: ‘It is one that has been far too long coming.‘Shaker was cleared for release from Guantanamo in 2007 and has never faced any sort of a trial or been charged with any crime.

‘We have been through a terrible ordeal and we ask the British and American governments not to prolong that ordeal any longer and tell us when we can expect our husband, father and son-in-law to walk back into our lives.

Mr Cameron has repeatedly pushed for Mr Aamer’s release, including in face-to-face talks with the President at the White House in January.The Daily Mail has campaigned hard for the release of Mr Aamer, a British resident whose wife and children live in Battersea, South London.He has languished behind bars without charge or trial since February 2002.

Despite twice being cleared for release, first by George W Bush and then President Obama, he remained locked up in the military base on Cuba. On his return, Mr Aamer will receive a £1million payout secured from the Government during legal action by the 15 British former Guantanamo inmates.

He is also likely to face debriefing by the security services.Saudi-born Mr Aamer moved to London almost 20 years ago and married, which meant he could remain in Britain.He was detained in Afghanistan in 2001. His supporters say he was doing peaceful voluntary work for an Islamic charity at the time.

But US intelligence agencies say he was a key aide of Osama bin Laden and helped to finance Al Qaeda. Mr Aamer claims that he was tortured at a secret ‘black site’ prison after he was handed to the US military for money.US Defence Secretary Ashton Carter signed off the transfer following a ‘thorough review of his case and taking into consideration the robust security assurances that will be provided by the British Government’.

Following the announcement, Mr Aamer’s daughter Johina, 17, wrote on Twitter: ‘Thank you everyone for all the support. The news hasn’t hit yet. We can’t believe we might finally see our dad.’Mr Aamer’s father-in-law Saeed Siddique, 72, said the family ‘cried for joy’ when they heard the news and praised the Daily Mail’s campaign.

He said: ‘Of course, we are all feeling delighted tonight. But it’s one thing to be happy and delighted at the news – but before we start thinking about organising a party, first let Shaker come home. I won’t believe it until I see him face to face, with my own eyes. How can I, when we have been listening to this kind of story for years?‘We will have to wait a few more weeks until we can celebrate.

Peace
*We CAN bomb the World to pieces, but we CAN'T bomb it into PEACE*...Michael Franti

*MUSIC IS the expression of EMOTION.....and that POLITICS IS merely the DECOY of PERCEPTION*
.....song_Music & Politics....Michael Franti

*The scientists of today think deeply instead of clearly. One must be sane to think clearly, but one can think deeply and be quite INSANE*....Nikola Tesla(a man who shaped our world of electricity with his futuristic inventions)


Comments

  • brianluxbrianlux Posts: 42,038
    "Shaker was cleared for release from Guantanamo in 2007 and has never faced any sort of a trial or been charged with any crime."

    How is this possible?
    “The fear of death follows from the fear of life. A man [or woman] who lives fully is prepared to die at any time.”
    Variously credited to Mark Twain or Edward Abbey.













  • g under pg under p Posts: 18,196
    brianlux said:

    "Shaker was cleared for release from Guantanamo in 2007 and has never faced any sort of a trial or been charged with any crime."

    How is this possible?

    Remember from the previous administration ALL those thrown in Gitmo were to be considered guilty.....no questions asked. Jailed there for an indefinite period of time....no axis to a lawyer etc.

    Does anyone REALLY believe that all those sent to Gitmo were guilty? Many were just in the wrong place wrong time rounded up and sent just as a show of force. You terrioze this country and just see what we can do without question.

    Peace

    *We CAN bomb the World to pieces, but we CAN'T bomb it into PEACE*...Michael Franti

    *MUSIC IS the expression of EMOTION.....and that POLITICS IS merely the DECOY of PERCEPTION*
    .....song_Music & Politics....Michael Franti

    *The scientists of today think deeply instead of clearly. One must be sane to think clearly, but one can think deeply and be quite INSANE*....Nikola Tesla(a man who shaped our world of electricity with his futuristic inventions)


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