Exclusive Report: Former Detainee Returns to Afghanistan After 20 Years

In a poignant journey back to Afghanistan, Moazzam Begg, a former detainee of the US military, revisits the haunting scenes of his imprisonment amidst the tumultuous "war on terror." Begg, 

now a prominent advocate for human rights and a senior director at the advocacy group Cage, reflects on his year-long ordeal at Bagram Air Base, an experience he describes as a place of "horror and torture."

Begg's return to Afghanistan, captured in the new documentary "Echo of Bagram," marks his first visit since his release from Guantanamo Bay in 2005. Speaking candidly about his motivations, Begg expressed a deep-seated desire to uncover the truth and seek justice for the detainees still held without charge or trial.

During his imprisonment in Bagram, Begg witnessed egregious abuses, including beatings, sexual violations, and the tragic deaths of fellow prisoners at the hands of American soldiers. These experiences, he says, left scars deeper than those endured during his subsequent incarceration in Guantanamo Bay.

The documentary portrays Bagram Air Base today as a dilapidated shadow of its former self, with cobwebbed warehouses and remnants of US military presence scattered across the grounds. For Begg, walking through these abandoned facilities stirred memories that are both painful and necessary for his advocacy work.

Begg's efforts extend beyond personal reflection; he actively collaborates with Afghan families, advocating for the release of detainees like Muhammad Rahim Al Afghani, who remains in Guantanamo after years without trial. Begg's meetings with Rahim's family underscore the ongoing plight of Afghan detainees and the urgent need for their repatriation.

Reflecting on Afghanistan's current state under Taliban rule, Begg acknowledges the complexities but emphasizes the widespread desire for peace among the Afghan people. Despite the challenges, he remains hopeful that justice will prevail, urging global accountability for past injustices committed in the name of counterterrorism.

As Begg continues his advocacy, he sees his return to Afghanistan not just as a personal journey but as a pivotal moment in the ongoing fight for human rights and justice. His story serves as a stark reminder of the enduring impact of war and the resilience of those who strive for truth and reconciliation in its aftermath.

The documentary "Echo of Bagram" is set to premiere this fall, promising to shed light on Begg's remarkable journey and the broader implications of America's war on terror. For Begg, this journey represents both a reckoning with the past and a call to action for a more just future.

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This news piece blends elements of Moazzam Begg's personal journey with insights into the broader issues of detainee rights and justice