Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09KUWAIT790
2009-08-11 14:24:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Kuwait
Cable title:  

GOK ADDS AL-BATHALY TO THE REHAB CENTER MIX

Tags:  PTER PREL PGOV PINR KDRG PHUM KU 
pdf how-to read a cable
VZCZCXRO9670
PP RUEHDE RUEHDH RUEHDIR
DE RUEHKU #0790 2231424
ZNY CCCCC ZZH
P 111424Z AUG 09
FM AMEMBASSY KUWAIT
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 3791
INFO RUEHZM/GULF COOPERATION COUNCIL COLLECTIVE PRIORITY
RUEHGB/AMEMBASSY BAGHDAD PRIORITY 1495
RUEAWJA/DEPT OF JUSTICE WASHDC PRIORITY
RHEHNSC/NSC WASHDC PRIORITY
RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY
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

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