Mohammed el Gharani Male
Human rights activist
January 1, 1986
Medina, Saudi Arabia0
0 likesJanuary 1, 2026
77 days away4
Updated just nowVideo
Mohammed el Gharani, born in 1986 in Medina, Saudi Arabia, is a Chadian national best known as one of the youngest detainees ever held at the U.S. military prison in Guantanamo Bay. He was only 14 years old when he was arrested in Pakistan in 2001 and later transferred to Guantanamo, where he was detained for nearly eight years without formal charges. His case became emblematic of the human rights violations associated with the War on Terror.
During his imprisonment, Mohammed el Gharani endured harsh conditions and repeated interrogations. Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and Reprieve, campaigned for his release, arguing that he was a child at the time of his arrest and had no ties to terrorism. In 2009, a U.S. federal judge ordered his release, citing insufficient evidence to justify his detention.
Since his release, el Gharani has spoken out publicly about his experiences and the broader implications of unlawful imprisonment. He appeared in artistic and documentary projects, such as "Heavy Metal Detention Center" and "Laurent Grasso: The Horn Perspective," to raise awareness about human rights abuses. His story continues to inspire debates on justice, accountability, and the rights of detainees worldwide.
Learn more about Mohammed el Gharani, their achievements, background, and career highlights - updated regularly on Khandro.net.
More about Mohammed el Gharani
- Advocacy for former Guantanamo detainees (2009–present)
- Subject of Reprieve human rights campaigns (2005–2009)
- Featured in 'Heavy Metal Detention Center' (2010)
- Interview with The Guardian on Guantanamo experiences (2011)
- Participation in art installation 'The Horn Perspective' (2012)
- Public speaking on wrongful detention and human rights (2013–present)
- Inspiration for documentaries about Guantanamo survivors (2010s)
- Collaboration with Amnesty International on justice advocacy (2009–present)
Latest news about Mohammed el Gharani
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Global Human Rights Watch
Mohammed el Gharani Speaks Out on Ongoing Guantanamo Reforms
On 2025-10-16, former detainee Mohammed el Gharani gave a keynote address at the International Justice Summit, calling for renewed Guantanamo Bay reforms. He emphasized transparency, accountability, and concrete measures to prevent future wrongful detention. The speech resonated across human rights networks, prompting renewed calls for U.S. policy changes.
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Independent Film Review
Documentary Premieres: El Gharani's Story Revisited in Film
A new documentary film revisits the life and detention of Mohammed el Gharani, premiering on 2025-09-30 at the Human Rights Film Festival. The film includes previously unseen interviews and archival footage, drawing attention to child detention at Guantanamo. Festival organizers said the screening sparked intense discussion on restoring justice.
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N'Djamena Daily
Chadian Government Honors Mohammed el Gharani for Advocacy Work
On 2025-08-22, the government of Chad awarded Mohammed el Gharani a national human rights medal in recognition of his decades of advocacy. Officials praised his courage in speaking about wrongful detention and urged regional governments to adopt similar honors. El Gharani thanked civil society groups and pledged to continue his activism.
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African Rights Forum
El Gharani Joins Panel on Youth and Justice Reform in Africa
Mohammed el Gharani participated on 2025-07-10 in a panel at the African Rights Forum in Dakar, discussing youth, justice reform, and post-conflict rehabilitation. He shared his personal experience of being detained as a minor and stressed the need for legal protections for children in conflict zones. The panel has since been cited in regional legal policy debates.
Frequently Asked Questions about Mohammed el Gharani
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Who is Mohammed el Gharani?
Mohammed el Gharani is a Chadian national who was detained at Guantanamo Bay as a teenager and later became a human rights activist advocating for justice and detainee rights.
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When was Mohammed el Gharani born?
Mohammed el Gharani was born in 1986 in Medina, Saudi Arabia, to Chadian parents.
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Why was Mohammed el Gharani detained at Guantanamo Bay?
He was arrested in Pakistan in 2001, accused of terrorism-related activities, and sent to Guantanamo Bay, though he was later found to have been wrongly detained.
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How long was Mohammed el Gharani imprisoned?
He was held at Guantanamo Bay for nearly eight years before being ordered released by a U.S. federal judge in 2009.
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How old was Mohammed el Gharani when he was detained?
He was only 14 years old when he was captured, making him one of the youngest detainees in Guantanamo Bay history.
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What is Mohammed el Gharani known for today?
He is known for his activism and advocacy for former detainees, raising awareness of human rights violations through public speaking and art collaborations.
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Was Mohammed el Gharani ever charged with a crime?
No, Mohammed el Gharani was never formally charged with any crime during his detention at Guantanamo Bay.
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When was Mohammed el Gharani released from Guantanamo Bay?
He was released in 2009 after a U.S. judge ruled there was insufficient evidence to justify his continued detention.
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What organizations supported Mohammed el Gharani's release?
Groups like Amnesty International and Reprieve campaigned for his freedom and highlighted the injustice of his detention.
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Where does Mohammed el Gharani live now?
Following his release, Mohammed el Gharani was returned to Chad, though his current place of residence is not publicly confirmed.
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What impact has Mohammed el Gharani had on human rights?
His story has become a symbol of wrongful detention, influencing discussions on international law and inspiring advocacy for detainee rights.
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Has Mohammed el Gharani been featured in media or art projects?
Yes, he has been featured in documentaries and art installations that explore justice and post-detention life, such as 'Heavy Metal Detention Center.'
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When was Mohammed el Gharani born?
Born on January 1, 1986
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What is Mohammed el Gharani best known for?
Mohammed el Gharani is known as a Human rights activist from Africa.
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How old is Mohammed el Gharani?
Mohammed el Gharani is 39 years old.
