The UK has reached a settlement with Guantanamo Bay detainee Abu Zubaydah, who claimed the government was complicit in his torture and extradition. Zubaydah’s lawyers allege that British intelligence provided questions to the CIA during his torture in various “black sites” between 2002 and 2006. This case sheds light on the legal and moral implications of collaborating with the US when it breaches international law.
Zubaydah, a stateless Palestinian, has been held without charge since his arrest in 2002. Initially labeled an al-Qaeda member, the US later retracted that claim. Evidence of British involvement emerged from two 2018 parliamentary reports revealing MI5 and MI6’s role in supplying questions for Zubaydah’s interrogation.
While the settlement amount remains undisclosed, Zubaydah’s lawyer described it as “substantial” and emphasized its symbolic significance in acknowledging the UK’s complicity. In a recent UK Supreme Court ruling, it was determined that British agents acted in an official capacity, allowing Zubaydah to pursue civil action against the government.
Zubaydah’s treatment included severe torture methods, documented in various investigations. His attorney has called for the UK government to recognize its role and apologize, emphasizing the ongoing relevance of this case regarding international law violations. The UK Department of Foreign Affairs has been contacted for a comment on the settlement, but the government has not acknowledged liability.
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