Guantanamo prisoners released to Saudi

US authorities yesterday returned home a group of 14 Saudi nationals from the Guantanamo Bay military prison.

According to an interior ministry spokesman the detainees will be referred to Saudi courts, the Saudi Press Agency reported. Their release brings the number of Saudi nationals remaining in Guantanamo to 22, the SPA said.

The last transfer from the US authorities was in September when 16 prisoners were returned.

Until now, no one released into Saudi custody has been tried. Up to 55 prisoners were recently allowed home for the Eid Al-Fitr holiday with a gift of $2,600 per person. They were returned to custody after the celebration.

A statement from the Pentagon on Friday confirmed the transfer, saying that 305 detainees remained in Guantanamo. “Departure of these detainees is subject to ongoing discussions between the United States and other nations” it said.

US Defense Department documents released to Associated Press said of the 759 people held at the camp, 136 have been Saudis, the second-largest group after Afghan nationals.

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