TALLINN, October 9 (RIA Novosti) - The Estonian government has decided to grant asylum to a former Guantanamo prisoner, whose guilt was never proven, at the request of the United States, the press service of the country's Cabinet of Ministers reported.
The press service said that by providing shelter Estonia was showing its readiness to support the United States' efforts to close the Guantanamo Bay prison.
Some former Guantanamo prisoners are unable to return to their homes, because their safety may be at risk there. The Estonian authorities will select a specific person who will be granted asylum in the country.
There have been several high profile cases of torture carried out on Guantanamo prisoners, which have been condemned by international organizations and human rights groups.
Amnesty International, the United Nations and the European Union have requested the closure of Guantanamo Bay.
Back in 2009 Barack Obama vowed to close Guantanamo Bay, located in Cuba, within a year.
There are currently 149 prisoners being held at the Guantanamo Bay prison, set up in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States. Dozens of prisoners have been approved for transfer but still remain in custody. Only six detainees have been released from the prison this year, including five Taliban members exchanged for US Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl.
