"Throughout his incarceration in Afghanistan, Nabil strenuously denied
any connection to Al Qaeda, the Taliban or anyone or any organization
remotely linked to the 9/11 attacks. And the Americans had no proof of
his involvement, save for bogus claims implicating him from other
prisoners extracted in a Kabul torture chamber. Several United States
interrogators told him his was a case of mistaken identity. Nonetheless,
the United States had adopted strict rules for Arabs in custody — all
were to be sent to Guantánamo. On Feb. 15, 2002, Nabil was flown to
Cuba; shackled, bound and hooded.
Since then, Nabil has been subjected to all the horrors of the Gitmo
handbook: sleep deprivation, sensory deprivation, temperature extremes,
prolonged isolation, lack of access to sunlight, almost no recreation
and limited medical care. In 11 years, he has never been permitted a
visit from a family member. For reasons known only to the men who run
the prison, Nabil has never been waterboarded. His lawyer believes this
is because he knows nothing and has nothing to give.
The United States government says otherwise. In documents, military
prosecutors say that Nabil was staying at a guesthouse run by people
with ties to Al Qaeda and that he was named by others as someone
affiliated with terrorists. But Nabil has never been charged with a
crime. Indeed, on two occasions he has been cleared for a “transfer,” or
release. In 2007, a review board established by President George W.
Bush recommended his release. Nothing happened. In 2009, another review
board established by President Obama recommended his transfer. Nothing happened."
