October 30, 2022
The Department of Defense announced today the repatriation of Saifullah Paracha from the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay to Pakistan.
On May 13, 2021, after Review Committee action pursuant to Executive Order 13567, it was determined that continued law of war detention of Saifullah Paracha was no longer necessary to protect against a continuing significant threat to the security of the United States.
On September 12, 2022, Secretary of Defense Austin notified Congress of his intent to repatriate Saifullah Paracha to Pakistan, and, in consultation with our Pakistani partners, we completed the requirements for responsible transfer.
The United States appreciates the willingness of Pakistan and other partners to support ongoing U.S. efforts focused on responsibly reducing the detainee population and ultimately closing the Guantanamo Bay facility.
The Periodic Review Board process was established by the President’s March 7, 2011 Executive Order 13567. It is consistent with section 1023 of the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2012 and affirmed in Executive Order 13823 (January 30, 2018).
The Periodic Review Board panel consists of one senior career official each from the Department of Defense, Homeland Security, Justice, and State, along with the Joint Staff and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence.
Today, 35 detainees remain at Guantanamo Bay; 20 are eligible for transfer; 3 are eligible for a Periodic Review Board; 9 are involved in the military commissions process; and 3 detainees have been convicted in military commissions.
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