Gholam Ghaus Z.
Gholam Ghaus Z. | |
|---|---|
| Born | Afghanistan |
| Occupation | Retired |
| Known for | Wrongful detention at Bagram Theater Internment Facility |
Gholam Ghaus Z. was a German national of Afghan heritage who experienced wrongful detention exceeding four months at the Bagram Theater Internment Facility located in Afghanistan. His arrest occurred during a visit to family members in Kabul, where he reportedly entered a U.S. military installation for shopping purposes, presenting his German passport without any complications.
At the age of 41, Gholam Z. had retired early due to health concerns and lived in Wuppertal, Germany. Investigations conducted by German security agencies revealed no links between him and terrorist activities. Nonetheless, U.S. officials demanded guarantees of continuous surveillance from Germany prior to considering his release.
The extended nature of his confinement caused tension between the United States and Germany, with parallels drawn to the case of Murat Kurnaz. After diplomatic negotiations involving United States Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier, who both advocated for a prompt resolution, Gholam Ghaus Z. was freed and repatriated to Germany on May 31, 2008.