General News
12/1/2009 11:49 AM ET
(RTTNews) -
The Justice Department announced Tuesday that it has transferred Guantanamo Bay detainees to Hungary and France.
The moves are a part of the order given by President Barack Obama on January 22 to eventually close the Guantanamo Bay facility and transfer detainees to other locations.
The identity of the detainee transferred to Hungary was withheld at the request of the Hungarian government. The detainee was originally from the West Bank, and the transfer was carried out under an arrangement between the U.S. and Hungary.
Meanwhile, Sabir Lahmar was transferred to the government of France. On November 20, 2008, a federal court ruled that Lahmar, a native of Algeria, may no longer be detained under the Authorization for the Use of Military Force.
Since 2002, more than 550 detainees have been transferred to other destinations, including Afghanistan, Australia, France, Iran, Iraq, Russia and the United Kingdom.
The transfers come amidst a controversy surrounding the transfer of alleged 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and four conspirators to the U.S. to face a civilian trial in New York City.
Recent polls have shown that most Americans are against the idea of Mohammed having a civilian trial and feel he should be given a military trial instead. Many fear that a civilian trial will provide Mohammed with the opportunity to preach an anti-American message.
Advocates of the civilian trial, on the other hand, contend that putting Mohammed on trial will show that the American justice system is fair and just and will help paint America in a positive light with the rest of the world.
by RTT Staff Writer
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