Man Repatriated from Guantánamo to Algeria Against His Will

CCR Condemns the Second Forcible Transfer By the Obama Administration

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"The Center for Constitutional Rights condemns in the strongest possible terms the secret forcible transfer of Farhi Saeed bin Mohammed to Algeria. Although Mr. Mohammed has long been cleared of any connection with terrorism and, indeed, prevailed in his habeas corpus case challenging the legality of his detention, we are deeply concerned for his safety upon return to Algeria, including the threat of persecution by private terrorist groups against whom the Algerian government cannot assure his protection. The Algerian government should immediately disclose information concerning Mr. Mohammed’s whereabouts and well-being.

 

Mr. Mohammed’s attorney, Buz Eisenberg, stated in response to the news: “By transferring Mr. Mohammed to Algeria against his will, the administration has once again demonstrated an appalling disregard for the rule of law.  On November 5, Mr. Mohammed asked the U.S. Supreme Court to consider the legality of this very transfer.  By forcibly and secretly sending Mr. Mohammed to a place to which he did not want to go, even while the Supreme Court was considering his petition, the administration has again declared itself above the law.”

 

CCR has led the legal battle over Guantanamo for the last nine years – sending the first ever habeas attorney to the base and sending the first attorney to meet with an individual transferred from CIA “ghost detention” to Guantanamo.  CCR has been responsible for organizing and coordinating more than 500 pro bono lawyers across the country to represent the men at Guantanamo, ensuring that nearly all have the option of legal representation. In addition, CCR has been working to resettle the approximately 30 men who remain at Guantánamo because they cannot return to their country of origin for fear of persecution and torture. 

The Center for Constitutional Rights is dedicated to advancing and protecting the rights guaranteed by the United States Constitution and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Founded in 1966 by attorneys who represented civil rights movements in the South, CCR is a non-profit legal and educational organization committed to the creative use of law as a positive force for social change.