Media Invitation to Observe Hearings for Detained Al-Qaeda Commander Post-Guilty PleaSecretary of Defense Travel to Spain and GermanyGeneral Officer Announcement

Following the acceptance of a guilty plea of Abd al-Hadi al-Iraqi during an open session in early June, U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Mark F. Rosenow, the military judge in the case, will hear additional motions Aug. 13-27.

Media will have the opportunity to cover the hearings, either in Guantanamo Bay or remotely from the CCTV site at Fort Meade, Maryland.

The hearing schedule may be truncated and applying media should recognize the potential of the sessions finishing before the allotted three weeks.

Media desiring to cover this hearing from the Expeditionary Legal Complex located in Naval Station Guantanamo Bay (NSGB) Cuba must complete the online travel request form by July 1 to initiate the approval process. Additional details of travel logistics and COVID procedures will be provided separately. By submitting the online request form, interested media will begin the travel process and respective OMC PAOs will be in touch to assist in travel preparations. Please be advised that travel duration is at a minimum Saturday to Saturday.

Media desiring to view this hearing from Fort Meade must send their requests via email to [email protected] with e-mail subject line matching the court case and applicable media information: name, position, sponsoring organization and contact info.

Media may contact Lt. Cmdr. Adam Cole for additional questions at [email protected] or 571-372-8934.

About the Case

Mr. Hadi al-Iraqi pleaded guilty to attacking protected property - a military medical helicopter - in violation of the law of war; several separate instances of using treachery or perfidy in a series of attacks in Afghanistan in 2003 and 2004, attempted use of treachery or perfidy, and conspiracy to commit law of war offenses. Mr. Hadi al-Iraqi's guilty plea was accepted by the Commission in an open session on June 13, 2022. His sentencing will be deferred for two years per the pre-trial agreement.