Seven Afghans Released From Guantanamo Arrive Home

The Afghan men were held for up to three years at the U.S. facility (file photo) (AFP) 9 February 2006 -- Seven Afghans who were held at the U.S. detention camp at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, on suspicion of links to the Taliban have arrived home free men.

One of the seven -- detained for more than two years – alleges he was mistreated by his captors. Another man, who said he was innocent, said he wants compensation from the United States for the three years he spent in captivity.

The men were welcomed back to Afghanistan at a ceremony in the capital Kabul. The ceremony was organized by the government's reconciliation commission, which was set up last year to persuade remnants of the ousted Taliban regime to cooperate with the new government.

Many Afghan citizens are still being held at Guantanamo Bay after being rounded up as part of the U.S.-led war on terror.

(AFP)