Swar Khan
Swar Khan | |
|---|---|
| Born | circa 1970 Afghanistan |
| Other names | Swatkhan Bahar |
| Occupation | Security officer (former) |
| Known for | Extrajudicial detention at Guantanamo Bay |
Swar Khan, also referred to as Swatkhan Bahar (born circa 1970), is an Afghan national who was subjected to extrajudicial detention at the United States' Guantanamo Bay facility in Cuba.
Prior to his capture, Khan held a position as a security officer within the administration of Hamid Karzai. According to his superior, Khan's imprisonment stemmed from unfounded allegations made by a jealous adversary whose sons served as interpreters for U.S. forces. Although Khan attempted to assert his innocence, he remained in custody.
Writ of habeas corpus
In 2005, a habeas corpus petition titled Swat Khan v. Bush was submitted on his behalf in Maryland. His legal representation was provided by Federal Public Defenders James Wyda and Martin Bahl.
Repatriation
On October 11, 2006, Khan was returned to Afghanistan.
McClatchy interview
During June 2008, the McClatchy News Service conducted interviews with Khan among 66 former detainees of Guantanamo. The chief reporter highlighted that despite the Tribunal President's decision that Khan’s requested witnesses were not "reasonably available," McClatchy successfully reached Mohammed Mustafa from the Afghan Interior Ministry. Mustafa verified that Khan had been wrongfully accused by a rival within Afghan security forces and had made unsuccessful appeals to U.S. officials for release.
Khan described experiencing physical abuse at Bagram, including being suspended by his wrists while in solitary confinement. He also revealed that he attempted suicide twice during his time at Guantanamo. Following his return home, although offered a police role by his provincial governor, Khan chose not to accept the position.