The last Kuwaiti held at Guantánamo, Faiz Mohammed Ahmed al-Kandari [9], has been repatriated to his home country, the US Department of Defense announced [10] Jan. 8. The Periodic Review Board [11] (PRB) determined in September that "continued law of war detention of Al-Kandari does not remain necessary to protect against a continuing significant threat to the security of the United States." Al-Kandari was captured by unnamed Afghans and arrived at Guantánamo in May 2002 after being accused [12] of serving as Osama bin Laden's "advisor and confidant." Kuwaiti authorities said the release showed progress [13] in bilateral relations with the US. The release of all 12 Kuwaiti detainees followed [14] strong efforts by Kuwait and high-profile Washington lawyers to secure their freedom. Al-Kandari is the third detainee to be resettled this week; 104 detainees remain at the detention center.
From Jurist [15], Jan. 8. Used with permission.