Jamil el Banna

Who is Jamil el Banna?

Jamil el-Banna is a Jordanian of Palestinian origin with refugee status in the United Kingdom who had been living in northwest London. He was abducted in November 2002 by the CIA from Gambia while on a business trip and suffered extraordinary rendition to Bagram, where he was held and interrogated by the CIA until March 2003. He was transferred to military custody at Guantanamo Bay detainment camp in March 2003 and held there until December 19, 2007.

Following his release and return to the United Kingdom, Jamil el-Banna was arrested and questioned when arriving in London, on charges by a Spanish court. He was allowed bail. Spain dropped its charges in March 2008.

The Department of Defense reports that el-Banna was born on May 28, 1952, in Jericho, [sic] Turkey [sic]. His wife is quoted as saying that Jamil was born in Jericho, West Bank, not in Turkey.