Featured image of post Guantanamo Bay detainee allowed to return to Saudi Arabia after 20 years

Guantanamo Bay detainee allowed to return to Saudi Arabia after 20 years

Mohammad Ahmad al-Qahtani was accused of attempting to enter the US to hijack planes in the September 11 attack

· 1243 points

Mohammad Ahmad al-Qahtani was accused of attempting to enter the US to hijack planes in the September 11 attack

Highlights

  • Mohammad Ahmad al-Qahtani has been flown back to Saudi Arabia for mental health treatment.
  • The 46-year-old prisoner has suffered from mental illness, including schizophrenia, since childhood.
  • He was accused of attempting to join hijackers in carrying out the September 11 attacks.
  • The US dropped plans to try him after a Bush administration legal official concluded he had been tortured at Guantánamo.
  • He is the second prisoner to be repatriated under Joe Biden, who has said he intends to close the Guantanamo Bay facility.
  • The remaining two prisoners at the base have been convicted, one of whom is nearing the completion of his sentence under a plea deal.