Another Guantanamo Detainee Might Be Released

Seth Richardson Contributor
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The Obama administration is considering releasing another detainee on the heels of the highly controversial Bowe Bergdahl trade.

Fox News reports the Fouzi Khalid Abdullah al-Awda appeared before a review board in Virginia via video feed. Al-Awda has been in detention for 12 years. The Pentagon reports he traveled to Afghanistan from his home country of Kuwait just before 9/11 to train in terrorist camps.

Al-Awda says he only traveled to teach the Quran and aid the poor. His attorney argues he poses no threat to the United States. If released, he would return to Kuwait and immediately enter a rehabilitation center, but could be allowed to leave during daytime hours in as soon as six months.

Al-Awda has not been described as a model prisoner, something even his counsel concedes. He has participated in hunger strikes and thrown food. His representatives chalk this up to adjusting to life in the prison.

Kuwait’s foreign minister, interior minister and director of counter terrorism provided statements in support of his release. The review board has 30 days to make a decision. If they decline to release him, he will appear before the board again Dec. 30.