Two Malaysians detained in Guantanamo Bay back home, says Saifuddin


PETALING JAYA: Two Malaysians who had been detained in Guantanamo Bay have been returned to Malaysia, says the Home Ministry.

In a statement on Wednesday (Dec 18), Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail confirmed the return of Mohammed Farik Amin and Mohammed Nazir Lep.

Both had been detained by the United States since 2006 at Guantanamo Bay.

"The government has constructed a reintegration program that is comprehensive for the two individuals, which includes support services, welfare and medical screenings.

"The Ministry also expressed their appreciation to all government agencies that were involved in the successful handing off process of the two Malaysians," he said.

ALSO READ: Two Malaysians in Guantanamo await return, pending diplomatic efforts

Earlier in the year, the two had pleaded guilty to being accessories in the 2002 Bali bombings.

Both of them were held for years in the secretive overseas network of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).

In 2006, they were transferred to Guantanamo Bay to face trial in a special security court which was set up by former United States president George W. Bush after the Sept 11, 2001 attack.

Also charged were Encep Nurjaman who was also known as Hambali from Indonesia.

Hambali is currently facing a murder charge, terrorism and conspiracy in the 2002 and 2003 incidents and if found guilty could be sentenced to life imprisonment.

In their plea statement, both Malaysians agreed to testify against Hambali, the former leader of the Jemaah Islamiyah movement, according to a New York Times report.

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