GOK ADDS AL-BATHALY TO THE REHAB CENTER MIX

C O N F I D E N T I A L KUWAIT 000790 SIPDIS NEA/ARP, NEA/RA, S/GC FOR KSASAHARA E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/10/2019 TAGS: PTER PREL PGOV PINR KDRG PHUM KU SUBJECT: GOK ADDS AL-BATHALY TO THE REHAB CENTER MIX REF: A. KUWAIT 755 ¶B. KUWAIT 613 Classified By: CDA Tom Williams for reasons 1.4 b and d ¶1. (U) This is an action request. See para 4. ¶2. (C) Post received a diplomatic note August 10 from the Kuwaiti MFA reiterating the GOK's long-standing request for the return of the four Kuwaiti nationals held at Guantanamo Bay, and outlining the procedures to be followed by the GOK in the event of their return. Of particular interest was the first ever reference by the GOK to using the new Salam Center (GTMO returnee rehab facility -- see reftels) for a non-GTMO prisoner -- in this case Abdulrahman Al-Bathali, a Kuwaiti citizen we believe may be being held by MNF-I at Camp Remembrance II in Iraq. ¶3. (C) In the note, the GOK detailed its assurances to prevent recidivism (previously stated with reference to GTMO returnees, now newly associated with Al-Bathali) as follows: -- Surveillance. Detainees, upon their release to Kuwait, would be subjected to monitoring by Kuwaiti security authorities, who would draft periodic reports on the local activities of suspects, and if they tried to link with foreign elements. -- Travel ban. The Minister of Interior, using his new discretionary authority (ref A) outlined in Passports Law No. 11/1962, would withhold, or refuse the issuance or renewal of passports for as long as there were suspicions of the individuals harboring extremist ideologies or affiliations with suspicious individuals inside or outside of Kuwait. -- Voluntary pledges. Addressing questions posed during the July 26-27 interagency visit to Kuwait's new rehabilitation center (ref A),the note clarified that if an individual refused to sign a pledge of good behavior, or if he refused to present a personal guarantor or security deposit ensuring compliance, the court may order that the individual be subject to police monitoring. The details of the monitoring include: ¶1. The suspect must notify the local police station of his place of residence, of which the police must approve. ¶2. The suspect must carry at all times a biographical data card given to him by the police. ¶3. The suspect must report to the police station once a week, at the time specified on the card, or at any other time ordered by the police. ¶4. The suspect must be at his place of residence between sunset and sunrise unless otherwise authorized by the police. -- Rehabilitation. Along with a request for the immediate release of MNF-I detainee Abdulrahman Al-Bathali, a Kuwaiti citizen currently held at Camp Remembrance II in Iraq, the diplomatic note promises that released detainees, including Al-Bathali, will undergo rehabilitation at the newly established Al-Salam Center. Upon release from the rehabilitation center, the individual is to receive ongoing follow-up from the security authorities. (Note: The diplomatic note also highlights the ref B US Ambassador visit to the rehabilitation center to review Kuwaiti assurances and capabilities of rehabilitating extremists. End note.) Al-Bathali to be Transferred? -------------- ¶4. (C) Action request. Post would appreciate clarification of the status of Al-Bathali in Iraq and information regarding the same which may be shared with the GOK. ********************************************* ********* For more reporting from Embassy Kuwait, visit: visit Kuwait's Classified Website at: http://www.intelink.sgov.gov/wiki/Portal:Kuwa it ********************************************* ********* WILLIAMS