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Guantanamo Bay prisoner who published book to be set free

Former al-Qaida militant published “Guantanamo Diary” about life at the detention center

Associated Press

MIAMI — A former al-Qaida militant who gained fame with the publication of a diary about life at Guantanamo Bay has been approved for release from the detention center at the U.S. base in Cuba.

Mohamedou Ould Slahi’s attorney and the American Civil Liberties Union said Wednesday that he was cleared by the Periodic Review Board set up by the Obama administration.

Slahi has been held for nearly 14 years without charge. He becomes one of 30 Guantanamo inmates approved for release as part of an effort to reduce the prisoner population and eventually close the facility. There are 76 inmates remaining there.

Slahi received acclaim for his “Guantanamo Diary,” a memoir of captivity including harsh interrogations at the base and overseas. A date for his release has not been made public.

Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

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