Concern for Safety of Former Guantanamo Detainee Turned Over by U.S. to Algeria Increases

Whereabouts Still Unconfirmed

Contact: press@ccrjustice.org

July 23, 2010 - Today, the Center for Constitutional Rights (CCR) issued the following statement in response to the Algerian government’s denial that it is detaining Abdul Aziz Naji:

“Yesterday the Algerian government issued a statement formally denying that it is detaining former Guantánamo detainee Abdul Aziz Naji.  The statement also denies knowledge of his whereabouts.  In addition, Mr. Naji’s attorneys in the U.S. report that they were told that no one named ‘Naji’ arrived at the airport in Algeria and that the security services deny he is with them.

"After aggressive pressure by human rights organizations, including the Center for Constitutional Rights and Human Rights Watch, and media inquiries into his whereabouts and condition, a conflicting account was given by an Algerian official.  Published in Al Hayat, an unnamed government source admitted that Mr. Naji is in “routine” custody in Algeria and subject to investigation, after which he will be released for transfer to the Algerian judicial system which will decide his fate. These inconsistent statements raise serious concerns about Mr. Naji’s current whereabouts and well-being, particularly in light of contradictory statements and the silence, on the part of the US officials who transferred him, to verify his status.

"In light of these conflicting accounts, CCR reiterates its demand that the Algerian government immediately:

• Account for Mr. Naji’s whereabouts and well-being;

• Respect and comply with international law prohibiting the use of secret detention and torture; and

• Protect Mr. Naji from extremist forces in Algeria.

"The Algerian government’s denial that it is detaining Mr. Naji only underscores suspicions that he has been subjected to human rights violations. Until the Algerian government reveals Mr. Naji’s whereabouts  and confirms that he is well, these suspicions will remain intact, and the U.S. government which orchestrated Mr. Naji’s forced repatriation will remain accountable for Mr. Naji’s disappearance in violation of U.S. and international law.”

The Center for Constitutional Rights is dedicated to advancing and protecting the rights guaranteed by the United States Constitution and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Founded in 1966 by attorneys who represented civil rights movements in the South, CCR is a non-profit legal and educational organization committed to the creative use of law as a positive force for social change.