Former Guantánamo Detainee Finds Redemption and Family in Belize

Majid Khan, a former courier for Al Qaeda, is unable to open a bank account in Belize, because of his past.

Khan began resettling in Belize in February 2023 after being released from Guantanamo Bay where he was detained for 15 years.

He pleaded guilty to terrorism-related charges in 2012.

After the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, Mr. Khan joined Al Qaeda, agreed to become a suicide bomber and delivered $50,000 that would be used in a deadly hotel bombing in Indonesia.

According to the NYT, Majid has been unable to open a bank account, because of his past. No bank would do business with him. “Life is a test,” he said, describing himself as a glass-half-full guy.

At Belize’s insistence, the United States paid for his home, car and phone and provided a stipend.

“He has yet to sync with Belizean laissez-faire,” said the leader of his mosque, Kaleem El-Amin.

“I need to get patched up,” he said. “Mentally, physically.”