KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysian government has repatriated two citizens who had been detained at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba since 2006.
In a statement, Home Minister, Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, announced the repatriation of Mohammed Farik Amin and Mohammed Nazir Lep, highlighting the government’s commitment to reintegrating the individuals into society.
He assured that a comprehensive reintegration program has been devised, including support services, welfare, and health screenings for the two individuals.
“The Home Ministry expresses gratitude to various government agencies involved in facilitating the repatriation process, underscoring the collaborative effort required to achieve this outcome,” he said.
In a separate statement, the US Department of Defense also announced repatriation of Farik and Nazir from the detention facility.
Both individuals in January this year pled guilty before a Military Commission to multiple offenses, including Murder in Violation of the Law of War, Intentionally Causing Serious Bodily Injury, Conspiracy, and Destruction of Property in Violation of the Law of War.
“Pursuant to a pretrial agreement, both men cooperated with the U.S. Government and provided deposition testimony against Encep Nurjaman, the alleged mastermind of the al-Qaida-affiliated attacks on nightclubs in Bali, Indonesia in 2002, and the J.W. Marriott Hotel in Jakarta, Indonesia in 2003,”
“The Convening Authority approved sentences of confinement for approximately five years for each and recommended their repatriation or transfer to a third-party nation to serve the remainder of their sentences.”
On November 14, 2024, Secretary of Defense Austin notified Congress of his intent to repatriate Farik to Malaysia.
“The United States appreciates the support for ongoing efforts toward a thorough process focused on responsibly reducing the detainee population and ultimately closing the Guantanamo Bay facility.”
Currently, 27 detainees remain at Guantanamo Bay: 15 are eligible for transfer; three are eligible for a Periodic Review Board; seven are involved in the military commissions process; and two have been convicted and sentenced by military commissions.- December 18, 2024