Last British resident to be held in Guantanamo Bay to be released to UK

World
Friday 25 September 2015 at 3:14pm

Shaker Aamer with two of his children, son Michael and daughter Johninh Credit: PA

Shaker Aamer, the last British resident held at Guantanamo Bay, is to be released, a British Government spokesman said.

The US government has notified the UK authorities that it now intends to return Mr Aamer to Britain.

"The Government has regularly raised Mr Aamer's case with the US authorities and we support President (Barack) Obama's commitment to closing the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay," the spokesman said.

"In terms of next steps, we understand that the US Government has notified Congress of this decision and once that notice period has been concluded, Mr Aamer will be returned to the UK."

Mr Aamer has a wife and four children living in Battersea, south London.

His father-in-law Saeed Siddique told ITV News the whole family was "delighted" at the news of his release:

Mr Aamer, 46, a Saudi national, was originally detained in Afghanistan in 2001.

He was subsequently transferred to Guantanamo Bay where he has been held without charge.

His release is expected to take place once the 30 day notice period set by the US authorities has expired.

Shaker Aamer's daughter Johina, 17, tweeted her thanks to the family's supporters after learning that her father will finally be freed.

Cori Crider, Director at Reprieve and one of Aamer's US attorneys, said: "I believe this is the first light at the end of a nearly 14 year tunnel but at the same time i want certainty, i want a date.

"Shaker's wife and his four British kids have been on a terrible emotional rollercoaster over the past nearly decade and a half so we really need some clarity around when he's going to see them again."

She added: "There are going to be a lot of questions when Shaker comes home about why he wasn't home with his family sooner."Conservative MP David Davis, who has repeatedly called for Mr Aamer's release, said it was "great news".

He said: "It is long overdue. It should have happened years ago - 13 years without having been charged with or indeed accused of any crime.

"It is brilliant news for his family, who are British citizens, very good news for him and good news for justice."

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn tweeted: "Pleased to hear that Shaker Aamer will be released from Guantanamo Bay. Well done determined campaigners & his family."