Shaker Aamer: reports of return to UK welcomed

‘His return to his family in Britain won’t come a moment too soon’ - Kate Allen

Responding to reports that the former UK resident Shaker Aamer who is detained at the US military base at Guantánamo is set to be returned to the UK, Amnesty International UK Director Kate Allen said:

“The news is a huge relief - for his family and his supporters, all of whom have worked tirelessly to get Shaker Aamer out of Guantánamo. 

“In the past Mr Aamer has reportedly been at death’s door during a hunger strike and his return to his family in Britain won’t come a moment too soon. 

“The immediate focus should now be on providing medical and other support for Mr Aamer on his return to the UK, but let’s not forget that his 13-year ordeal at Guantánamo has been an absolute travesty of justice.

“Shaker Aamer is the last UK resident to finally get out of Guantánamo and his return to Britain brings a long, painful chapter to a close. 

“But let’s not forget that more than 100 detainees will still be left at the camp after Mr Aamer comes through Guantánamo’s gates. This is far from over. The USA must promptly charge all the remaining detainees with recognisably criminal offences and ensure they receive a fair trial before a federal civilian court, or safely release them.”