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US judge orders five Algerians at Guantanamo freed
(Agencies)
Updated: 2008-11-21 10:25

The six Algerians were among the more than 30 Guantanamo prisoners who won before the Supreme Court. The five ordered released were Lakhdar Boumediene, Mohamed Nechla, Mustafa Ait Idir, Saber Lahmar and Hadj Boudella.

Protesters take part in an Amnesty International demonstration, in Lima, to demand the closure of the US Guantanamo detention facility in Cuba November 19, 2008. US President George Bush will visit Peru this week to participate in the Asia-Pacific Cooperation (APEC) summit. The sign reads "Close Guantanamo!" [Agencies]

Nadja Dizdarevic, who is Boudella's wife, told Reuters by telephone in Bosnia, "This is the victory of justice even though it comes after seven years of legal struggle."

She said US and Bosnian authorities must ensure that the five get back to Bosnia, instead of being extradited to Algeria, and must allow them to join their families.

Leon said the US government can appeal his ruling on the five men, but strongly urged top administration officials to forgo an appeal that would take as long as two years.

Leon also cautioned that the case was "unique" and that "few if any" of the other detainee challenges were like it.

The White House said it disagreed with the portion of the ruling ordering the five men must to be released, but was pleased that one Algerian was affirmed as an enemy combatant and can continue to be held at Guantanamo.

White House spokesman Tony Fratto said the Justice Department was reviewing the decision on the five Algerians.

Justice Department spokesman Peter Carr said the ruling demonstrated the need for Congress to adopt procedures that are fair to the detainee, but allow "the government to present its case without imperiling national security."

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