GTMO detainee wants life as bee keeper after release

On June 29, 2021, Pop Smoke Media was invited to watch unclassified portions of the Guantanamo (GTMO) Periodic Review Board for detainee Haroon al-Afghani. The video feed began, and Haroon appeared with his legal counsel, and two others, before a review board. To his left, was his personal representative. This appeared to be a uniformed service member. The representative’s identify was seemingly being withheld to ensure their privacy. To Haroon’s right, was a linguist. Although, Haroon speaks several languages, including English.

Haroon has not been charged with a crime, but the United States Government deemed him too dangerous to release. As a result, the board reiterated for the record that the hearing was to determine the lawfulness of his detention. Rather, to decide if he still posed a threat to the United Staes, and her interests.

The board then read a list of crimes Haroon was being detained in association with. These included planning, and commanding attacks of coalition forces. Additonally, being a link between high level insurgent commanders, and their troops on the ground. As well as many other daunting accusations.

Haroon admits to being a member of the militant group Hezb-i-Islami of Afghanistan (HIA). However, his lawyer made the claim that HIA made peace with the Afghan Government 5 years ago. Furthermore, that HIA has been an integral part of maintaining stability throughout Afghanistan, and the prospect of peace after U.S. forces have withdrawn.

The government of Afghanistan has also submitted a formal request for the release of Haroon from GTMO. This is the equivalence of the U.S. State Department requesting the release of a US citizen. Haroon also stated he would agree to whatever security arrangements the Afghan government saw fit.

The closing remarks indicated that Haroon just wanted to be reunited with his family. Specifically, his daughter who was still a young child when Haroon was detained. He continued by saying he was in touch with non-profit organizations that would help him begin a life as a beekeeper. This recently being a booming industry in Afghanistan.