News: Recapping a historic week at Guantánamo — Torture survivor Majid Khan looks to future

 From the Center for Constitutional Rights:

	Recapping a historic week at Guantánamo — Torture survivor Majid Khan looks to future  As October came to a close, we and our co-counsel participated in the two-day sentencing trial of our longtime client Majid Khan—here’s what you missed: The military commission sentencing hearing of Mr. Khan, who was tortured and imprisoned by the U.S. for eighteen years, concluded on October 29, paving the way for his transfer out of Guantánamo. The 26-year sentence Majid Khan received from a jury, just one year more than the minimum required, is a formality because his 2012 plea agreement with the U.S. government in return for his cooperation supersedes it. Under the terms of that deal, he is scheduled for release in February 2022. In an extraordinary letter, seven out of eight of the panel members recommended clemency for Mr. Khan. The United States will need to identify a third country where Mr. Khan can be resettled with his wife and daughter. Mr. Khan’s lawyers expect the Biden administration to fulfill its obligation to transfer their client at the conclusion of his sentence, especially given that doing so would align with and further its expressed goal of closing the prison. At the first day of his sentencing hearing, Mr. Khan expressed remorse for his actions and looked forward to starting a new life with his family, including a daughter he has never met.  “Since arriving at GITMO I have done everything in my power to make amends for my actions by pleading guilty and cooperating with the U.S. government at every possible opportunity,” Mr. Khan told the courtroom. “I am a husband, a son, a father, and a brother. My only wish is to be released so I can see and hug my daughter for the first time. I have so many wrongs that I wish to right.” The proceedings were historic. It was important for Majid that his words reached those outside of Guantánamo, and we’re amazed to see how his story has travelled across the world. The New York Times, Associated Press, CBS Morning News, Just Security, and many other outlets covered the two-day hearing. Our Legal Director Baher Azmy appeared onDemocracy Now! and Senior Staff Attorney Wells Dixon spoke to KCRW. We also shared Majid’s powerful poetry on social media. Head to our website to learn more about Majid Khan and read his personal statement, and continue reading about the military commission sentencing hearing here.
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