“I went swimming in the ocean for the first time ever..., and it was the happiest day of my life"

[babylonsister]

Out of Guantánamo, Uighurs Bask in Bermuda

Justin Maxon/The New York Times

AN OCEAN IDYLL Salahidin Abdulahat, left, and Khaleel Mamut, Uighur Muslims recently freed from Guantánamo Bay, swam in Bermuda on Sunday. Mr. Abdulahat said his first-ever ocean swim was "the happiest day of my life."

By ERIK ECKHOLM
Published: June 14, 2009


ST. GEORGE, Bermuda — Almost exactly seven years after arriving at Guantánamo in chains as accused enemy combatants, and four days after their surprise predawn flight to Bermuda, four Uighur Muslim men basked in their new-found freedom here, grateful for the handshakes many residents had offered and marveling at the serene beauty of this tidy, postcard island.

In newly purchased polo shirts and chinos, the four husky men, members of a restive ethnic minority from western China, might blend in except for their scruffy beards. Smelling hibiscus flowers, luxuriating in the freedom to drift through scenic streets and harbors, they expressed wonder at their good fortune in landing here after a captivity that included more than a year in solitary confinement.

“I went swimming in the ocean for the first time ever yesterday, and it was the happiest day of my life,” said Salahidin Abdulahat, 32.

Over a lunch of fish and chips on Sunday, they praised Bermuda for showing courage in the face of potential Chinese pressures that, in their view, powerful European countries had failed to muster.

The men were among a larger group of Uighurs (pronounced WEE-gers) who had fled what they called Chinese persecution of Muslims in western China and spent part of 2001 in a Uighur camp in Afghanistan. They fled, apparently unarmed, when the Americans bombed the camp, and were later turned in to the authorities by Pakistani villagers in return for an American bounty.

The four brought here, like 13 other Uighurs still at Guantánamo but expected to depart soon to other destinations, had been cleared by American officials and courts of taking up arms against the United States or ties to global terrorism.

more...

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/15/world/americas/15uighur.html?_r=2&hp

[willing dwarf]

1. Great picture, great story

It's so good to read some good news coming from the intractable stupidity of Guantanamo. I hope these men bask on the beaches and enjoy their freedom. Let the rhythm of ocean heal their hearts. I wish them all good things especially now that they are free.

I guess they are going to Palau? Another island with ocean and beaches.

[babylonsister]

2. I'm very happy for them also. I think the guys in Bermuda are

staying there (unless something happens to change that). There are more Uighurs still at Gitmo who are slated to go to Palau, not a done deal yet as far as I've read.

[proud2BlibKansan]

3. "were later turned in to the authorities by Pakistani villagers in return for an American bounty"

Our tax dollars at work!

[babylonsister]

6. I marvel at these men. They were locked up for so long, but

they're thanking the U.S.? I think I'd be less than forgiving.

[90-percent]

4. Heartwarming

It's nice to see these innocent people finally being able to enjoy some freedom!

I am sorry my tax dollars helped incarcerate these innocent people for seven fucking years!

"Worst of the worst" my fat ass!

-90% Jimmy

[malaise]

5. I'm so happy for them

Man to man is so unjust!!

K & R

[HamdenRice]

7. Impeach Obama Now!

He didn't deport these people back to China for persecution on inauguration day, nor did he bring them to a US prison!

How dare he take a patient and thoughtful approach to finding the best place for these people to resettle!

:sarcasm:

[Turbineguy]

8. Breaking News!

Thousands of DUmmies calling for Obamas' impeechment!

[The Doctor.]

9. But... but....but.... if they were at Guantanamo, they're EVIL!

The worst of the worst! :crazy:

By God I hope Freeper heads explode over this.