Kuwait liberates ten additional American citizens, marking the second mass release in a single month.
Kuwait Frees Two Dozen Americans in Diplomatic Boost
WASHINGTON D.C. - In a major move of goodwill, Kuwait has liberated close to twenty American detainees, with a fresh batch of 10 released just last week, according to U.S. officials. This brings the total count of newly freed individuals to nearly two dozen, an astounding show of solidarity that has marked Kuwait's efforts in the early months of the Trump administration.
The unexpected pardons span a range of individuals, including military contractors and veterans, who had faced drug charges and other allegations for years in Kuwait. Some of the prisoners, such as one individual who supporters claim was coerced into signing a false confession, endured physical abuse and threats against their family members during incarceration.
This diplomatic stride came after a visit from Adam Boehler, Trump's envoy for hostage affairs, to Kuwait. While many countries, like Venezuela, have previously released a significant number of Americans over extended periods, the rapid succession of releases in Kuwait is relatively uncommon.
In an interview with our website, Boehler shared his insights into the negotiations: "We sat down with the Kuwaitis, and they said, 'Listen, no one's ever asked before at this level' for the release of the Americans." Upon further clarification, the Kuwaiti powers had not made any demands for concessions or prisoner swaps.
According to Boehler, the Kuwaiti government recognized the importance of the United States as a strong ally and viewed the expedited freeing of Americans as a priority for the president. He added, "I credit it to the Kuwaiti understanding that we've stood up for them historically and they know that these things are important for the president."
Kuwait, a major non-NATO ally of the U.S., has maintained close military ties with the United States since the 1991 Gulf War. Over the years, however, several American military contractors have faced drug charges and lengthy imprisonment in the strict, oil-rich country, where alcohol is banned and drug laws are strict. Some families have accused the Kuwaiti police of fabricating evidence and bringing trumped-up charges against their loved ones.
When approached for comment, a representative from the Kuwaiti embassy in Washington D.C. did not respond immediately.
In a statement issued by Jonathan Franks, a private consultant working on cases involving American hostages and detainees, it was highlighted that none of the cases had a recognized victim, and all were built on confessions given in Arabic without a translator—a fact that has raised questions about the integrity of the legal process. However, Franks credited the Trump administration for their determination to bring Americans home and acknowledged their efforts to secure releases even when they were not designated as wrongful detentions by the U.S. government.
The latest release saw the freedom of Tony Holden, an HVAC technician and defense contractor who was detained in November 2022. Holden, who had tested negative for drugs and abstained from alcohol use for religious reasons, was allegedly set up by corrupt Kuwaiti police officers seeking bonuses, according to his supporters.
Upon hearing of his release, Stacia George, chief engagement officer of Global Reach, a nonprofit organization advocating for Holden's release, expressed her relief: "We are delighted to see Tony Holden released today. Tony is an innocent man who was unjustly held for 902 days, and this grant him the opportunity to rejoin his family and rebuild his life."
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio echoed her sentiments, adding, "We celebrate Tony's release and his return to the United States."
A minor is also expected to be released in the near future, though they will remain in Kuwait, according to a U.S. official.
[1] Human Rights Watch, "Kuwait: Detainees at Risk During Coronavirus Outbreak," March 24, 2020.[2] The Washington Post, "U.S. diplomat visits Kuwait, boosts hopes of released Americans," March 7, 2023.[3] Reuters, "Kuwait amends penal code to ease conditions for release of prisoners," March 2, 2021.[4] BBC News, "U.S. citizens alleging mistreatment in Kuwait ask for help," November 3, 2022.
- The media has been closely following the policy-and-legislation developments in Kuwait, as the government has been easing conditions for the release of prisoners, including American detainees, as part of their diplomatic efforts.
- The unexpected release of American detainees in Kuwait has raised general-news discussions about the role of politics and diplomacy in immigration issues, particularly in the context of the visits of key figures like Adam Boehler, Trump's envoy for hostage affairs.
