JURIST - Paper Chase: Hamdi release delayed by negotiation dispute with Saudi Arabia

The release of Yaser Esam Hamdi, originally scheduled for Tuesday, has been delayed by a problem in the negotiations between the US and Saudi Arabia, a US official said Thursday. The two sides are reportedly working to clear up what the official said was a "minor snag." The agreement in which the US would transport Hamdi in civilian clothes to Saudi Arabia no later than Thursday includes conditions, including:

Restricted movement to Saudi Arabia for five years;
Banishment from the US for 10 years
Renunciation of his US citizenship; and
No participation in any terrorist activity

Hamdi could be taken back into custody by the US should he violate one of the conditions. Saudi Embassy spokesman Nail Jubeir called the deal unenforceable and suggested that, because Hamdi is not charged with any crime, he should just be set free. Hamdi, an American citizen by birth, grew up in Saudi Arabia and has been detained as an enemy combatant in South Carolina since being captured in Afghanistan nearly three years ago. AP has more. For continuing coverage from JURIST's Paper Chase on Hamdi, click here.