Attorneys of Algerian detainees at Guantanamo to visit Algeria
To collect guarantees from authorities
Attorneys of Algerian detainees at Guantanamo to visit Algeria
El Khabar, 5 January 2008
Some U.S attorneys for Algerian detainees in Guantanamo Bay prison in Cuba are to pay a visit to Algeria amid this month, well informed sources told El Khabar, adding that the attorneys’ agenda include collecting guarantees from Algeria of well treatment of the detainees in case they would be transferred to Algeria. The same sources said the attorneys are to hold several meetings with officials, including Justice Minister Mr. Tayeb Belaiz. However, the visit is still has not been announced as it not official, while its preparations are under way in coordination with parties close to Guantanamo detainees’ file. Furthermore, it is believed that the U.S Federal Court has required from the Algerian detainees’ lawyers to get guarantees that they will not be subject to mistreatment by Algerian authorities as to lift suspension on the issued deportation decisions. Actually, the U.S Government alleges that it won’t extradite any prisoner before acquiring guarantees that they won’t be mistreated by the Algerian authorities. These latter have soon responded to these allegation through Foreign Affairs Ministry which rejected the U.S “blackmails.” However, the irony in the U.S allegations is that they show fears of prisoners’ mistreatment, while humanitarian NGO’s rapports have unveiled that Algerian detainees at Guantanamo prison have been subject to mistreatment.
05-01-2008 By A.K/ Translation A.A
