On the night of Halloween under a full moon, (morning of November 1st, 2009) a lightless U.S. Airforce C-17 touched down at 3 AM on the only landing strip in the Republic of Palau.   At the end of the runway, a small group of vehicles from the Presidents office and the U.S. Embassy circled the plane.   After a 16-hour flight in shackles from Guantanamo, reportedly costing 8 million dollars, the Uighurs were signed over to Palau and exited the plane escorted by casually dressed military personnel.    Each were greeted by the President in the dark, illuminated only by a firetruck and a few car headlights.   One by one they entered the green minivan that would carry them away from the Hercules aircraft, the last symbol of their U.S. detention.   The short 25 minute drive through Palau's winding roads brought them to their two story apartment with a narrow staircase secured by a barred door above a bank and encircled by a restaurant, bar, liquor store and physical therapy studio.   The apartment is spacious, 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms and a prayer room upstairs with a spectacular view overlooking a village, and ocean in the distance.   The President welcomed them to Palau and the Uighurs expressed their gratitude as the food was warmed, a lamb stew and stone oven Naan bread from the local Indian restaurant "The Taj".    After a photo op with the President and lawyers, all departed to allow them to sort their personal belongings and become acquainted with their new tropical island they now call home.

Jeff Barabe

Below are screen captures from Roll 'em Productions exclusive footage of the arrival.

C17 Sits on the runway in Palau with Uighurs onboard

President Toribiong waits as the Uighur luggage is loaded

President Toribiong and Translater

First of Uighurs steps off the plane in Palau

Uighurs were signed over one by one before depating aircraft

Arrival at thier new home

A Spokesman for the Uighurs thanks the President and addressed him as "brother"

President Toribiong and Attorney for 2 of the Uighurs, George Clark