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March 29, 2007

Russia Accused Of Abusing Freed Guantanamo Inmates

Rasul Kuldayev, who was released from Guantanamo in 2004, complained of police abuse after his arrest in October 2005 (Courtesy Photo)

March 29, 2007 -- Human Rights Watch has alleged former Russian Guantanamo Bay inmates were beaten and abused after the United States handed them over to Russia in 2004.

The New York-based human rights group said their findings show how the dangers of the U.S. policy of handing over former detainees under "diplomatic assurances" to their native countries, where they may risk further abuse.

Russian officials were not immediately available for comment.
    
U.S. forces detained the seven Russians in Afghanistan in 2002 and they spent the next two years in the U.S. prison in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
    
In its 43-page report, Human Rights Watch interviewed three of the former inmates and talked to lawyers and families of all seven men.

(Reuters, AFP)
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