The United States government has freed Majid Khan, a detainee at an American detention facility at Guantanamo Bay known for being tortured by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) before spending 15 years of his life behind bars.
The announcement was made on Thursday by the Department of Defense and saw the return to freedom of the first person to publicly testify about the brutal treatment that he experienced as part of the American government's interrogation program at CIA black sites.
Former Al-Qaeda Courier Freed
Khan's transfer comes as United States President Joe Biden's administration moves toward making good on its commitment to close the Guantanamo prison. The former Al-Qaeda courier admitted to his role in the terrorist group's plans and actions.
In February 2012, the individual entered a deal with prosecutors where he pleaded guilty to charges, including conspiracy, murder, and providing material support to terrorists. He was housed in CIA black site facilities for roughly three years before transferring to Guantanamo in 2006. Subsequently, he cooperated with the US government in other investigations, as per Axios.
Khan was sentenced to no more than 11 years and received credit for his time under US custody since 2012. On December 22 last year, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin notified Congress of his desire to transfer the suspect to the government of Belize. He added that in consultation with Belize partners, they had completed the requirements for responsible transfer.
The US government also said that it appreciates the Belize government's and other partners' willingness to support ongoing American efforts that focus on responsibly reducing the detainee population and ultimately closing the Guantanamo Bay facility.
The Defense Department also revealed that there are still 34 people at Guantanamo Bay, adding 20 of whom are eligible for transfer.
There was a nearly year-long delay in Khan's release after his prison sentence ended in March last year, which is seen as proof of the legal and political challenges that Biden is facing. The former Al-Qaeda courier, imprisoned for roughly two decades, apologized for his past actions.
Read Also: House GOP Oust Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar
Turning His Life Around
In a statement released by Khan's attorneys at the Center for Constitutional Rights (CCR) and Jenner & Block, the suspect said that he had been given a second chance in life. According to the Washington Post, he added that he plans to make the most of it.
Khan was arrested in Pakistan, after which he was subjected to beatings, sleep deprivation, and other forms of torture at the hands of CIA interrogators. On Thursday, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said that the suspect had honored his commitment to cooperate with the US government.
She said that the American government remains committed to a deliberate and thorough process focused on responsibly reducing the detainee population of the Guantanamo Bay facility. On the other hand, Khan said that he would become a productive, law-abiding member of society following his release from prison, said the Associated Press.
Related Article: Tyre Nichols Beating Death Update
