Five Algerian Detainees At Guantanamo Bay Are Set To Be Released

Recently, a federal judge had just ordered five detainees to be released from the prison in Guantanamo Bay. It was ruled that they were unlawfully detained.

In regards to the detainees in Guantanamo Bay, Federal District Court Judge of Richard J. Leon had made two rulings in regards to several Algerian men that have been detained for several years at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Leon ruled that five of the men were held unlawfully for seven years. However, he ruled that a sixth men was lawfully being held for giving information and support to Al-Qaeda, the international Islamic terrorist cell that is led by Osama Bin Laden. On a side note, it is believed that Bin Laden is hiding somewhere in the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. Leon adds that the information gives justification to hold the men for intelligence. However, it would be weak to hold in court. On an interesting note, Leon was appointed by current President George W. Bush. However, there is a major contradiction present in regards to Leon’s current ruling. Back in 2005, Leon ruled that the detainees did not have any rights pertaining to habeas corpus. Overall, five of the Algerian men are set to be released soon. When Democratic President-elect Barack Obama has already said he plans to shut down the prison. He is set to take office of the US President on January 20, 2009. This verdict comes after ruling made back in June by the United States Supreme Court. It was ruled that those detained at Guantanamo Bay do have rights. As a result, the detainees were allowed and granted access to civilian trials. It was a decision that was condemned and criticized by GOP Presidential nominee Senator John McCain of Arizona. McCain had called this ruling one of the worst decisions ever made in US history. While McCain condemned the decision, Obama welcomed it. McCain said that the ruling will threaten the safety and the security of the nation. Obama said that the ruling is a crucial step in rebuilding the country’s credibility as a nation committed to the rule of law. There is an important question to be asked: If and when Obama shuts down Gitmo, where will the other detainees be shipped off to?