Aamer has never been charged with any wrongdoing, was never on trial, and his lawyer says he is "totally innocent."[14][2] He was approved for transfer to Saudi Arabia by the Bush administration in 2007 and the Obama administration in 2009.[15][16] He has been described as a "charismatic leader" who spoke up and fought for the rights of fellow prisoners. Aamer alleges that he has been subject to torture while in detention.[17] Campaigners allege that the US refused to release Aamer because it feared he would expose torture inside the Guantanamo prison.[18]