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granting the petitioner's habeas petition after concluding that the petitioner "did not, by virtue of less than two weeks' attendance at a training camp from which he was expelled for breaking the rules, occupy `some sort of structured' role in the `hierarchy' of the enemy force"
Summary of this case from Hatim v. ObamaOpinion
Civil Action No. 05-280 (GK).
August 21, 2009
MEMORANDUM OPINION
Petitioner Mohammed Al-Adahi ("Al-Adahi" or "the Petitioner") has been detained since 2002 at the United States Naval Base at Guantanamo Bay Cuba. Respondents ("the Government") argue that his detention is justified under the Authorization for the Use of Military Force, Pub.L. No. 107-40 § 2(a), 115 Stat. 224, 224 (2001) ("AUMF"), which grants the Executive the power to detain individuals engaged in certain terrorist activities. The Petitioner disagrees, and has, along with four other petitioners, filed a petition for a writ of habeas corpus [Dkt. No. 1].
The matter is before the Court on Cross-Motions for Judgment on the Record [Dkt. Nos. 373 and 379]. Upon consideration of the Motions, the Oppositions, extensive oral argument and accompanying exhibits, and the entire record herein, Al-Adahi's habeas corpus petition and Motion are hereby granted.
Two of the five Petitioners, _____ and _____ did not file Motions for Judgment on the Record. Two others, _____ did file such a Motion, but their cases were stayed during Al-Adahi's Hearing. Order (June 25, 2009) [Dkt. No. 430].
I. BACKGROUND
A. Procedural History
Petitioner filed his habeas corpus petition on February 7, 2005. After filing, there was extensive preliminary litigation regarding the Court's jurisdiction to entertain detainees' petitions, the applicability of various statutes, and the appropriate procedures to be used.
After more than six years of litigation, the most important legal issue was resolved by the Supreme Court in Boumediene v. Bush, 553 U.S. ___, 128 S.Ct. 2229 (2008). The Court ruled that detainees at Guantanamo Bay, none of whom are citizens of the United States, are entitled to bring habeas petitions under Article I of the Constitution, and that the federal district courts have jurisdiction to hear such petitions.
The Court did not define what conduct the Government would have to prove, by a preponderance of the evidence, in order to justifiably detain individuals — that question was left to the District Courts. Id. at 2240 ("We do not address whether the President has the authority to detain these petitioners nor do we hold that the writ must issue. These and other questions regarding the legality of the detention are to be resolved in the first instance by the District Court."). Nor did the Supreme Court lay down specific procedures for the District Courts to follow in these cases.
Boumediene was, however, definitive on at least two points: first, that the detainees are entitled to a prompt hearing, 128 S.Ct. at 2275 ("The detainees in this case are entitled to a prompt habeas corpus hearing."), and second, that the District Courts are to shape the contours of those hearings, id. at 2276 (finding that balancing protection of the writ and the Government's interest in military operations, "and the other remaining questions[,] are within the expertise and competence of the District Court to address in the first instance.").
In an effort to provide the prompt hearings mandated by the Supreme Court, many of the judges in this District agreed to consolidate their cases before former Chief Judge Thomas Hogan, for purposes of streamlining procedures for, and management of, the several hundred petitions filed by detainees. See Order (July 1, 2008) [Civ. No. 08-442, Dkt. No. 1]. On November 6, 2008, after extensive briefing from Petitioners' counsel and the Government, Judge Hogan issued a Case Management Order ("CMO") to govern the proceedings. This Court adopted, in large part, the provisions of that Order, while modifying it somewhat, as noted in Appendix A to Dkt. No. 283.
Much pre-hearing activity has taken place under this Court's Case Management Order. The Government has filed the exculpatory evidence, automatic discovery, and additional discovery required under the CMO. The Government filed its Factual Return for Al-Adahi on August 1, 2005, and amended it on September 29, 2008. The Petitioner responded by filing Traverses on July 3, 2008, July 7, 2008, and October 10, 2009. After a period of extensive discovery, both parties filed substantial briefs accompanied by extensive exhibits.
On April 10, 2009, the Court set June 22, 2009, as the date for the "merits hearing" on the Cross-Motions for Judgment on the Record for all three Petitioners who planned to go forward in challenging their detention. Al-Adahi's case, including the Petitioner's live direct and cross-examination on June 23, 2009, was presented to the Court over a four-day period. On June 25, Petitioners _____ instructed their counsel to not proceed with litigating their Motions. _____ cases were then stayed until October 1, 2009. Order (June 25, 2009).
II. STANDARD OF REVIEW
The Government bears the burden of establishing that detention is justified. See Boumediene, 128 S.Ct. at 2270; Hamdi, 542 U.S. 507, 533-34 (2004). It must do so by a preponderance of the evidence. Order, Appendix A at § II.A (Feb. 12, 2009) [Dkt. No. 283-2]; see also Basardh v. Obama, 612 F. Supp. 2d 30, 35 n. 12 (D.D.C. 2009).
Initially, the Government took the position that Article II of the Constitution and the AUMF granted the President the authority to detain individuals. See Gherebi v. Obama, 609 F. Supp. 2d 43, 53 n. 4 (D.D.C. 2009). The Government asserted, "[a]t a minimum, . . . the ability to detain as enemy combatants those individuals who were part of, or supporting, forces engaged in hostilities against the United States or its coalition partners and allies." Resp't's Statement of Legal Justification For Detention at 2 [Dkt. No. 205].
Since the change in administration, the Government has abandoned Article II as a source of detention authority, and relies solely on the AUMF. Gherebi, 609 F. Supp. 2d at 53 n. 4. Further, it no longer uses the term "enemy combatant." Its refined position is:
[t]he President has the authority to detain persons that the President determines planned, authorized, committed, or aided the terrorist attacks that occurred on September 11, 2001, and persons who harbored those responsible for those attacks. The President also has the authority to detain persons who were part of, or substantially supported, Taliban or al-Qaida forces or associated forces that are engaged in hostilities against the United States or its coalition partners, including any person who has committed a belligerent act, or has directly supported hostilities, in aid of such enemy armed forces.
Resp't's Revised Mem. Regarding the Gov's Detention Authority Relative to Detainees Held at Guantanamo Bay at 3 [Dkt. No. 306].
In Gherebi, Judge Reggie B. Walton of this District Court ruled that the Government has the authority to detain individuals who were part of, or substantially supported, al-Qaida and/or the Taliban, provided that those terms "are interpreted to encompass only individuals who were members of the enemy organization's armed forces, as that term is intended under the laws of war, at the time of their capture." Gherebi, 609 F. Supp. 2d at 70-71.
In Hamlily v. Obama, 616 F. Supp. 2d 63 (D.D.C. 2009), Judge John Bates of this District Court concluded that under the law of war, the Government has the authority to detain individuals who were "part of . . . Taliban or al Qaida forces," or associated forces. Id. at 74. The court went on to rule that the Government does not have the authority to detain those who are merely "substantial supporters" of those groups. Id. at 76. While the Court has great regard for the scholarship and analysis contained in both decisions, the Court concludes that Judge Walton's opinion presented a clearer approach, and therefore will adopt his reasoning and conclusion.
The Court agrees with Judge Bates' comment that the determination of who was a "part of" the Taliban/al-Qaida, under Judge Walton's approach, rests on a highly individualized and case-specific inquiry; as a result, the "concept [of substantial support] may play a role under the functional test used to determine who is `part of' a covered organization," and the difference in the two approaches "should not be great." Hamlily, 616 F. Supp. 2d at 76.
III. ANALYSIS
A. Evidentiary Presumptions
As a preliminary matter, some attention must be given to the nature of the evidence that has been presented in this case, and how the Court, as fact-finder, will go about evaluating that evidence. In attempting to meet its burden, the Government has provided evidence in the form of classified intelligence and interview reports that it believes justify the Petitioner's detention. The reports contain the statements of Petitioner, as well as statements made by other detainees, that the Government argues demonstrate the Petitioner's status as a member or substantial supporter of al-Qaida and/or the Taliban.
Petitioner argues that the Government's evidence should be excluded under the Geneva Conventions, because the evidence was collected in violation of various articles of the Third Geneva Convention. Pet.'s Resp. to Resp't's Mot. for J. and Supporting Mem. at 4 ("Pet.'s Opp'n") [Dkt. No. 402]. Parties briefed this issue further in the weeks following the Merits Hearing [Dkt. Nos. 435, 441, and 442]. Assuming for the moment that the evidence can be admitted consistent with the Geneva Conventions, the Court's consideration of that evidence leads to the conclusion, as discussed below, that Al-Adahi is not justifiably detained. Therefore, it need not and does not reach the question of whether the interrogation reports must be excluded.
The Government requested that a rebuttable presumption of authenticity be granted to all the exhibits it intends to introduce. Petitioner objected to this request. See Pets.' Joint Opp'n to the Government's Memo. and Supplement Regarding Presumptions, Hearsay and Reliability of Intelligence Information at 3-10 ("Pets.' Presumptions Memo.") [Dkt. No. 400]; Pet. Mohammed Al-Adahi's Brief in Support of Entry of Judgment at 3 ("Pet.'s Mot.") [Dkt. No. 373]. Given the Government's representations that the specific documents included in its case against Petitioner, as well as the documents provided to Petitioner's counsel in discovery, have all been maintained in the ordinary course of business, the Court will presume, pursuant to Fed.R.Evid. 803(6), that its documents are authentic. As provided for in the Case Management Order, the Government's exhibits will be granted a rebuttable presumption of authenticity and will be deemed authentic in the absence of any rebuttal evidence to the contrary.
Ordinarily, "the requirement of authentication requires that the proponent, who is offering a writing into evidence as an exhibit, produce evidence sufficient to support a finding that the writing is what the proponent claims it to be." 2 K. Broun, McCormick on Evidence § 221 (6th ed.).
The Government has also requested that a rebuttable presumption of accuracy be granted to all the exhibits it intends to introduce. The Petitioner objected to this request as well. See Pets.' Presumptions Memo. at 3-10. This request is denied for several reasons.
First, there is absolutely no reason for this Court to presume that the facts contained in the Government's exhibits are accurate. Given the extensive briefing and oral argument presented by counsel during the discovery phase of this case, as well the exhibits submitted at the merits trial, it is clear that the accuracy of much of the factual material contained in those exhibits is hotly contested for a host of different reasons ranging from the fact that it contains second-level hearsay to allegations that it was obtained by torture to the fact that no statement purports to be a verbatim account of what was said.
Second, given the fact that this is a bench trial, the Court must, in any event, make the final judgment as to the reliability of these documents, the weight to be given to them, and their accuracy. Those final judgments will be based on a long, non-exclusive list of factors that any fact-finder must consider, such as: consistency or inconsistency with other evidence, conditions under which the exhibit and statements contained in it were obtained, accuracy of translation and transcription, personal knowledge of declarant about the matters testified to, levels of hearsay, recantations, etc.
While the Supreme Court did suggest in Hamdi that a rebuttable presumption "in favor of the Government's evidence" might be permissible, 542 U.S. at 534, it did not mandate it. InBoumediene, the Court clearly left it to the District Courts to craft appropriate procedures. Boumediene, 128 S.Ct. at 2272.
Denial of the Government's request for a rebuttable presumption of accuracy does not mean, however, that the Government must present direct testimony from every source, or that it must offer a preliminary document-by-document foundation for admissibility of each exhibit. As the Supreme Court noted inHamdi, 542 U.S. at 533-34, hearsay may be appropriately admitted in these cases because of the exigencies of the circumstances.
Finally, while parties always retain the right to challenge the admissibility of evidence, the Court will be guided by the Federal Rules of Evidence, in particular Rule 402, providing that "[a]ll relevant evidence is admissible." Once all evidence is admitted into the record, the Court will then, in its role as fact-finder, evaluate it for credibility, reliability, and accuracy in the manner described above.
B. Mosaic Theory
The Government advances several categories of allegations which, in its view, demonstrate that the Petitioner was detained lawfully. Above all, its theory is that each of these allegations — and even the individual pieces of evidence supporting these allegations — should not be examined in isolation. Rather, "[t]he probity of any single piece of evidence should be evaluated based on the evidence as a whole," to determine whether, when considered "as a whole," the evidence supporting these allegations comes together to support a conclusion that shows the Petitioner to be justifiably detained. Gov's Mot. For J. Upon the Administrative R. and Mem. in Supp. at 6 (internal citation omitted) ("Gov's Mot.") [Dkt. No. 379]. While the Government avoids an explicit adoption of the mosaic theory, it is, as a practical matter, arguing for its application to the evidence in this case. Cf. Ali Ahmed v. Obama, 613 F. Supp. 2d 51, 55-56 (D.D.C. 2009).
The Court understands from the Government's declarations, and from case law, that use of this approach is a common and well-established mode of analysis in the intelligence community. This may well be true. Nonetheless, at this point in this long, drawn-out litigation the Court's obligation is to make findings of fact and conclusions of law which satisfy appropriate and relevant legal standards as to whether the Government has proven by a preponderance of the evidence that the Petitioner is justifiably detained. The kind and amount of evidence which satisfies the intelligence community in reaching final conclusions about the value of information it obtains may be very different from, and certainly cannot determine, this Court's ruling.
See, e.g., McGehee v. Casey, 718 F.2d 1137, 1149 (D.C. Cir. 1983) (recognizing that the "mosaic-like nature of intelligence gathering" requires taking a "broad view" in order to contextualize information) (internal citations and quotations omitted).
Even using the Government's theoretical model of a mosaic, it must be acknowledged that the mosaic theory is only as persuasive as the tiles which compose it and the glue which binds them together — just as a brick wall is only as strong as the individual bricks which support it and the cement that keeps the bricks in place. Therefore, if the individual pieces of a mosaic are inherently flawed or do not fit together, then the mosaic will split apart, just as the brick wall will collapse.
A final point must be kept in mind. One consequence of using intelligence reports and summaries in lieu of direct evidence is that certain questions simply cannot be answered, i.e., there are no deposition transcripts to consult and few if any witnesses are available for cross-examination. Despite the fact that Petitioner testified via video-conference from Guantanamo Bay, and was cross-examined by the Government, sizeable gaps may appear in the record and may well remain unfilled; each party will attempt to account for these deficiencies by positing what they think are the most compelling logical inferences to be drawn from the existing evidence. Accordingly, that existing evidence must be weighed and evaluated as to its strength, its reliability, and the degree to which it is corroborated. In any event, the Government always bears the ultimate burden of showing by a preponderance of the evidence that Petitioner's detention is lawful. Just as a criminal defendant need not prove his innocence, a detainee need not prove that he was acting innocently. In sum, the fact that the Petitioner may not be able to offer neat answers to every factual question posed by the Government does not relieve the Government of its obligation to satisfy its burden of proof.
Petitioner's testimony was closed to the public. However, the Government was ordered to conduct expedited classification reviews of the testimony transcript so that it could be released on the public docket. Order (June 19, 2009) [Dkt. No. 423]. The Government complied, and the transcripts were made available to the public on June 26, 2009 [Dkt. No. 431]. The Government also was ordered to videotape the testimony and maintain a redacted copy of the tape. Order (June 19, 2009). On July 23, 2009, the Government provided notice that it did not comply with this order, citing "oversight and miscommunication" as reasons that the testimony was not videotaped. Notice Regarding the Court's June 19, 2009 Order (July 23, 2009) [Dkt. No. 446]. The following day, Petitioner filed a Motion for Sanctions [Dkt. No. 447], which is pending at this time.
C. Government Allegations
In narrowing the issues for trial, parties focused on six broad factual areas that were in dispute. The Court then heard arguments on the existence and extent of (1) Petitioner's familial ties, (2) his stay at al-Qaida and/or Taliban guesthouses, (3) his military training at Al Farouq and service as an instructor there, (4) his employment as a bodyguard for Usama Bin Laden, (5) his other activities in Afghanistan (including his escape from the country and later arrest), and, finally, (6) the overall credibility of Petitioner's version of his travels from his home in _____ to Pakistan, Afghanistan, and his flight back to Pakistan.
1. Familial Ties and Travel to Afghanistan
There is no question that the record fully supports the Government's allegation that Petitioner had close familial ties to prominent members of the jihad community in Afghanistan. JE 28; JE 55; JE 18; JE 40; Tr. at 11, 17 (June 23, 2009). _____ Tr. at 11 (June 23, 2009). Although the Government alleges that Al-Adahi has presented inconsistent and therefore unreliable reasons for this trip, the record shows that _____ Tr. at 22 (June 23, 2009); JE 13 (citing Amani's back problems and visit to husband as reasons for trip); JE 15 at 1 (same); JE 33 at 2, 5 _____. The two reasons are hardly inconsistent with each other.
Parties submitted two volumes of Joint Exhibits, which comprise the vast majority of evidence presented during trial. Unless otherwise indicated, citations to "JE" refer to the universe of Joint Exhibits.
From her home in _____ had entered into an arranged marriage with _____. She and her brother, Petitioner, then traveled to Kandahar to unite the recently wedded couple and to attend a celebration of the marriage. Tr. at 9 (June 24, 2009).
The celebration attended by Petitioner Bin Laden's house was for men only. The women celebrated at another venue. Tr. at 11 (June 24, 2009).
_____ appears to have been a prominent man in Kandahar. _____ JE 28 at 3; Tr. at 15-16 (June 24, 2009) (Al-Adahi "believe[d]" that _____ fought the Soviets, but was not told that by _____ himself). The Government alleges that _____ was involved at a high level in al-Qaida operations, _____ see JE 18 at 4-5; JE 40 at 1 (alleged to be Bin Laden bodyguard); Gov. Mot. at 9-10. Further, _____ is described as being "among the jihad personnel from _____" JE 55 at 4. It is not clear if this description is based on statements from _____ or _____. Al-Adahi "doubts" that _____ was a Bin Laden bodyguard, but acknowledges that he was "from mujahidin [sic]." Tr. at 21 (June 23, 2009).
_____ he is described as "one of the jihad personnel," JE 55 at 2. Further, _____ JE 40 at 1; JE 18 at 4-5.
_____
The Government suggests that their travel pattern mimics that of other al-Qaida-recruited jihadists who were traveling into Afghanistan to participate in battle against the United States. Gov. Mot. at 11 (describing arrangements as "highly unusual" and suggestive of "a degree of secrecy and operational tradecraft");id. at 14-15. To buttress its argument, it points to the _____ The Government infers that these arrangements indicate Al-Adahi's willingness to be recruited by al-Qaida, as well as _____ status as a member of that organization. Gov. Mot. at 11, 13.
The inference that _____ was affiliated with al-Qaida is strongly supported by the circumstances of the wedding celebration that took place. It is undisputed that Usama Bin Laden, the founder and leader of al-Qaida, hosted and attended _____ wedding reception in Kandahar, Tr. at 11 (June 24, 2009); JE 51 at 2-3. At the celebration at Bin Laden's compound, as he was escorted around the event by a friend of _____ Al-Adahi was introduced briefly to Bin Laden. Tr. at 11 (June 24, 2009); Tr. at 17, 20-21 (June 23, 2009); JE 51 at 4.
A few days later, Al-Adahi met Bin Laden again and the two chatted briefly about religious matters in Yemen. Tr. at 20-21 (June 23, 2009); JE 49 at 4. In his testimony, the Petitioner insisted that such a meeting with Bin Laden was common for visitors to Kandahar. Tr. at 24-25 (June 24, 2009); JE 49 at 5. The Government interprets the access to Bin Laden, as well as the relationship to _____ and _____ brother, an alleged bodyguard for Bin Laden, as part of the evidence that "Al-Adahi was part of the inner circle of the enemy organization al-Qaida." Resp't's Opp'n to Pet. (ISN 33) Mohammed Al-Adahi's Br. in Supp. of Entry of J. at 3 ("Gov. Opp'n") [Dkt. No. 408].
The Government concedes that Al-Adahi's family situation is not, in and of itself a basis for his detention. What the Government argues is that the existence of these family connections to Bin Laden strengthen other, more serious allegations, such as Petitioner's training and service as a bodyguard. These connections, according to the Government, demonstrate that Al-Adahi was an al-Qaida insider whose brother-in-law was facilitating his rise up the ranks of the al-Qaida organization.
While it is true that Petitioner's familial ties to Usama Bin Laden may suggest that he had access to the leadership of al-Qaida, such associations cannot prove that he was a member of al-Qaida's "armed forces." Gherebi, 609 F. Supp. 2d at 70-71. Accordingly, his relationship to _____ and attendance at the wedding must not distract the Court from its appropriate focus — the nature of Al-Adahi's own conduct, upon which this case must turn.
2. Guesthouse Stay
The Government claims that Al-Adahi stayed at al-Qaida and/or Taliban guesthouses during his stay in Afghanistan in 2001. It points specifically to his admission that he stayed at the al-Nebras guesthouse for one night. Tr. at 23 (June 23, 2009); JE 27; JE 52. In addition, the Government points to Al-Adahi's own statements in arguing that _____ home was a guesthouse that sheltered mujahideen and men involved in Al-Wafa. Gov. Mot. at 12-13; JE 28 at 3; JE 16 at 1; JE 19 at 2. Al-Wafa was a Specially Designated Global Terrorist Entity that ostensibly operated as a charity. Exec. Order No. 13,224, 66 Fed. Reg. 49,079 (Sept. 23, 2001); JE 6 at 1.
Petitioner counters that _____ home was not identified by the Government in its background declaration as being a guesthouse operated by either al-Qaida or the Taliban. Cf. JE 5. Significantly, there is credible evidence in the record demonstrating that Petitioner stayed in _____ home, which appears to have been a separate structure from any guesthouse that _____ may have operated. JE 27 at 3. _____ JE 33 at 4.
Other than this admission about al-Nebras and the argument about his brother-in-law's home, the Government points only to the _____ JE 39 at 3. The allegation was based on _____ Id. at 1, 3. _____ Id. at 3.
The first page of the interrogation report containing this identification indicates that _____ was shown a _____ of _____ JE 39 at 1. Al-Adahi is _____ On page three of the report, _____ goes on to describe the person _____ in a _____ marked "[ISN 33]." Id. at 3. _____ is not mentioned again in the rest of the report. This confusion over ISN numbers _____
The guesthouse evidence, like that of Al-Adahi's family connections, is offered as a tile in the Government's mosaic. The Government recognizes that in this case the guesthouse evidence is not in itself sufficient to justify detention. The Court credits Al-Adahi's repeated admissions of his one-night stay at al-Nebras, but cannot rely on _____ vague and uncorroborated statement about his meeting with Al-Adahi at an unnamed Kandahar guesthouse and his questionable _____ identification of Al-Adahi.
_____ credibility has been called into question by this Court and other courts in this District. See Ali Ahmed v. Obama, 05-cv-1678, classified mem. op. at 13-14 (D.D.C. May 4, 2009) [Dkt. No. 211]. On May 22, 2009, the Government submitted a memorandum and voluminous appendix of exhibits in an effort to rehabilitate _____ reliability as a witness. The Court reviewed the Government's submission, and agrees that _____ cannot be written off as unreliable in all instances; however, his troublesome record _____
3. Al Farouq
The Government's central accusation — that Al-Adahi attended al-Qaida's Al Farouq training camp in or around August of 2001 — is not disputed by Petitioner; in fact, he admitted to it during his testimony. Tr. at 23-24 (June 23, 2009) (admitting attendance at Al Farouq for one week). The critical issues that divide parties are the significance of Petitioner's brief attendance, and whether or not Al-Adahi served as an instructor at Al Farouq.
a. Attendance at Al Farouq
Again, there is no dispute that Al-Adahi trained at Al Farouq for somewhere between seven and ten days. Id.; JE 26 at 4 (ten days); JE 52 at 2 (about seven days); JE 27 at 3 (seven days). During several interrogations, Al-Adahi gave detailed descriptions of the training regimen and layout of the camp, identified other detainees as trainers (including _____, JE 26 at 5; JE 52 at 2, and admitted that he received training while there.
Petitioner's counsel argues that all ex parte statements made by Petitioner must be excluded from the record. Pet.'s Mot. at 18-20. They maintain that because Petitioner was represented by counsel as of February 7, 2005, and all interrogations after that date were not consented to by counsel, Constitutional and ethical rules require that evidence from those interrogations be excluded. Id.
The Court concludes that the ex parte statements are admissible for the following reasons. First, under Supreme Court and Court of Appeals precedent, only defendants in the criminal context can claim Sixth Amendment protections. Montejo v. Louisiana, 129 S.Ct. 2079, 2085 (2009) (stating that Sixth Amendment "guarantees a defendant the right to have counsel at all `critical' stages of the criminal proceedings.") (emphasis added); United States v. Sutton, 801 F.2d 1346, 1365 (D.C. Cir. 1986) (finding that right to counsel attaches "only after the initiation of `adversary judicial criminal proceedings,' e.g., formal charge, preliminary hearing, indictment, information, or arraignment."). Petitioner is not involved in a criminal proceeding, and thus the Sixth Amendment does not apply. Cf. Coleman v. Balkcom, 451 U.S. 949, 954 (1981) (Marshall, J., dissenting from denial of certiorari).
Second, Petitioner argues that the Government's conduct amounts to a violation of ethical rules. The interrogators in this case were not the attorneys representing the Government in habeas litigation; rather, they were agents conducting an investigation. There is no evidence that Government attorneys controlled or guided interrogations of Al-Adahi. Consequently, there were no ethical violations. See United States v. Lemonakis, 485 F.2d 941, 956 (D.C. Cir. 1973); Sutton, 801 F.2d at 1366.
His motives for going to Al Farouq cannot be determined with the same certainty. In his testimony, Al-Adahi claims that he sought general weapons training and "Islamic education." Tr. at 23-24 (June 23, 2009). After having attended his sister's wedding reception, and with time off from his job in _____ and having no particular plans about what to do next, he portrayed himself as being willing to explore the region and try something new. The Government attempted to link Al-Adahi's attendance to his alleged ideological conviction in jihad against the United States. However, Al-Adahi resisted being portrayed as a supporter of war against America, and repeatedly denied "support[ing] these acts [of jihad]." Tr. at 19 (June 24, 2009); see id. at 17-21.
Al-Adahi claims that he pursued training at Al Farouq to satisfy "curiosity" about jihad, and because he found himself in Afghanistan with idle time. JE 26 at 5; cf. Tr. at 22-23 (June 23, 2009) (stating that he did not know about Al Farouq until he arrived at al-Nebras, and attended camp to learn about Islam and weapons). It is important to observe that Al-Adahi's understanding of the term "jihad" does not seem to equate to war against the United States. See Tr. at 21 (June 23, 2009). For instance, in a _____ JE 26 at 5; see JE 28 at 3 (where Petitioner explains mujahideen to mean "those that fought against the Russians and then later fought with the Taliban against Massoud).
Petitioner insists that he did not attend the camp to become part of jihad, and that the circumstances of his departure support this position. After seven to ten days at Al Farouq, the camp leaders expelled Al-Adahi for failing to comply with the rules. Tr. at 24 (June 23, 2009); JE 52 at 2. _____ JE 26 at 4-5. In Petitioner's view, any affiliation with or substantial support of al-Qaida that could have been established based on his attendance at Al Farouq was destroyed by this expulsion. Pet.'s Mot. at 44.
The Government counters that the circumstances of his departure, in addition to his attendance, actually help justify detention. Al-Adahi was ordered to leave, and returned to Kandahar to stay with _____ again. He did so despite the fact that, according to Al-Adahi himself, individuals expelled from Al Farouq for rules violations were generally considered spies, and severely punished. JE 26 at 4; JE 52 at 2-3. Suspected spies, the Government infers from another detainee's experiences, were treated harshly. See Al Ginco v. Obama, No. 05-cv-1310, 2009 WL 1748011, at *3 (D.D.C. June 22, 2009) (describing Government's concession that suspected spy was imprisoned and tortured by Taliban). In this case, Al-Adahi was spared punishment because of his relationship with his brother-in-law _____ See JE 52 at 2.
The Government argues that the clemency extended to Al-Adahi demonstrates that he continued to be a member of the organization, and was being protected by his powerful brother-in-law _____ See JE 52 at 2 (reporting that prior to expelling Petitioner, camp leadership notified _____ Al-Adahi, it notes, was even permitted to return to Kandahar and stay with _____ who allegedly housed al-Qaida fighters. This, the Government argues, demonstrates that the organization had not turned its back on Petitioner at all, much less in the brutal way that it had expelled and tortured Ginco. However, even if Al-Adahi's expulsion was handled with uncommon leniency because of _____ status, this fact demonstrates at most that Al-Adahi was being protected by a concerned family member; it most certainly is not affirmative evidence that Al-Adahi embraced al-Qaida, accepted its philosophy, and endorsed its terrorist activities.
For these reasons, under the analysis in Gherebi, Petitioner cannot be deemed a member of the enemy's "armed forces." See Gherebi, 609 F. Supp. 2d at 68-69. Al-Adahi was expelled from Al Farouq after seven to ten days at the camp; as discussed below, the Government has not established that he did anything to renew connections with al-Qaida and/or the Taliban. He did not, by virtue of less than two weeks' attendance at a training camp from which he was expelled for breaking the rules, occupy "some sort of `structured' role in the `hierarchy' of the enemy force." Id.
Finally, Petitioner's demonstrated unwillingness to comply with orders from individuals at Al Farouq shows that he did not "`receive[] and execute[] orders' from the enemy's combat apparatus." Id. at 69. Al-Adahi attended the camp briefly, and was expelled for his refusal to take orders. Therefore, Petitioner's admission that he trained at Al Farouq is not sufficient to carry the Government's burden of showing that he was a part, or substantial supporter, of enemy forces. Cf. Al Ginco, 2009 WL 1748011, at *4 (relationship with al-Qaida may be "vitiated" by intervening events); id. at *5 ("To say the least, five days at a guesthouse . . . combined with eighteen days at a training camp does not add up to a longstanding bond of brotherhood.").
b. Instructor at Al Farouq
The Government relies on a statement from one other detainee, as well as several pieces of circumstantial evidence, to argue that Al-Adahi not only attended Al Farouq, but also served as a trainer at the camp.
As its most direct piece of evidence supporting this claim, the Government points to a statement made by _____ that he could identify ISN 33 by his kunya, _____ because _____ JE 29 at 1; JE 38 at 5. A significant problem with this testimony is that there is no other evidence placing Al-Adahi in Afghanistan prior to July of 2001. _____ Id. Additionally, when he was later shown _____ ISN 33, _____ claimed the man's name was _____ whose kunya is _____ JE 101 at 2; cf. JE 104 at 2 (reporting that detainee uninvolved in this case had a Saudi uncle named _____ who clearly was not same man as Al-Adahi). The Government claims this is simply a mis-identification. When coupled with the early-2000 date given by _____ in an earlier statement, the mis-identification casts serious doubt on the accuracy of his statements.
In August of 2003, _____ provided a physical description of _____ who he claimed was a "chief trainer." JE 102 at 1. _____
Petitioner insists that his only travel out of _____ occurred in July of 2001, when he escorted his sister to Kandahar. In support of this position, he presents documents from _____ JE 71, where he had worked for about 20 years before departing for Afghanistan, JE 13 at 1. The documents purport to show that Al-Adahi requested six months of non-paid leave on July 9, 2001.Id. at Attachment B. They also purport to show that he was on the company's payroll in June of 2000 and April of 2001, id. at Attachments C, E; that he was eligible for an annual bonus for 2000, id. at Attachment D; and that he appeared on a list of employees whose staff allowances were not subject to retirement deduction in 2000, id. at Attachment F. Each document was signed, and many were stamped. Id.
In what appears to be the only instance in the record where Al-Adahi veered from his story that he intended to spend an extended period of time in Afghanistan, he told interrogators in 2006 that "he was only to stay one day [in Afghanistan] and return to _____" JE 25 at 2.
Petitioner has represented that they are authentic documents, based chiefly on the declaration of _____ an employee at the National Organization for Defending Rights and Freedoms ("HOOD"). Pet.'s Ex. ("PE") 2. _____ reports that he delivered counsel's request for these documents to the _____ via a relative of Al-Adahi's, and then emailed counsel the documents contained in Joint Exhibit 71. PE 2 at 2.
The Government objects to the reliability of the documents. It points out several mis-translations of key dates, including one where the company cut ties with Al-Adahi because of his inclusion on a February 2001 list of Guantanamo Bay detainees. JE 71 at Attachment A. Because the facility was not detaining suspects in the War on Terror at that point, the Government argues that the accuracy of the documents cannot be relied upon.
The _____ evidence is problematic for a number of reasons. First the Petitioner, has not asked for and does not start with a presumption of authenticity for the documents he produces. Second, there are gaps in the chain of custody of these documents. Third, it is unclear who entered the information contained in them, and whether such information was entered contemporaneously. Fourth, they contain factual and/or translation errors — such as the statement about the February 2001 list of Guantanamo Bay detainees — that raise serious doubts about their accuracy. In short, they do not prove that Petitioner was not in Afghanistan in early 2000 when _____ says he was.
Despite this conclusion, it is still difficult to credit _____ assertion that Al-Adahi was at Al Farouq in January or February 2000. Al-Adahi's consistent statements to interrogators, as well as his in-person testimony during this proceeding, all place him in Afghanistan no earlier than July of 2001. The Government has presented no evidence other than _____ comment to contradict this timeline. Instead, it suggests that Al-Adahi is unreliable and manipulative at times, and therefore his statements cannot be accepted as to the commencement of his time in Afghanistan.
This argument is difficult to credit in full. The Government relies heavily on Al-Adahi's inculpatory admissions. It cannot have it both ways, i.e., when he says something that supports the Government's position he should be believed, but when he says something that contradicts the Government's position he is a liar. Finally, it is an assertion that is not backed up by facts: there is no evidence in the record that Al-Adahi was involved in activity related to al-Qaida and/or the Taliban before July of 2001. Without more, the Court cannot rely on _____ statement.
It bears mentioning that _____ retracted his allegations against Al-Adahi in two separate documents. JE 81; JE 82. The recantations are somewhat generic, and inconsistent with each other. Their main impact is not to prove one version of _____ account right or wrong, but to suggest that his statements about Al-Adahi are scattered, difficult to interpret, and not probative of anything.
Further undermining the reliability of _____ comments, the record contains evidence that _____ suffered from "serious psychological issues." JE 29 at 1; Pet.'s Mot. at 17-18. The Government itself has expressed skepticism about the value of _____ statements, and noted his attempts to manipulate other detainees into undermining intelligence efforts. PE 4. For all these reasons, the Court concludes that his identification of Al-Adahi as a trainer is not reliable independent evidence that Petitioner occupied that role.
The Government maintains that _____ testimony is accurate when it is considered in light of Al-Adahi's intimate knowledge of Al Farouq's operations and recruits. In several intelligence reports, _____ JE 52 at 3; JE 26 at 5, _____ JE 52 at 2, _____id. at 1-2, _____ id. at 3. This knowledge, the Government argues, could only be possessed by a person who was entrusted with a supervisory role in the camp.
The Government is not correct. Al-Adahi's detailed knowledge of camp routine could well have been developed during his seven-to-ten-day stay there. Similarly, the information that he provided about other recruits could have come from conversations with them about their prior travels and future plans. For instance, the fact that he was familiar with the routines followed by the Africans may prove only that Al-Adahi was observant; moreover, all of Al-Adahi's descriptions were of their training habits only, which he could have observed from afar. Id. Though the Africans did not speak Arabic, Petitioner had access to them at "the mosque, chow hall area and sometimes at fitness training," where non-verbal communication could have taken place.Id. The Government's corroborative evidence on this point is highly speculative, and does not confirm _____ dubious allegation.
For all these reasons, the Court finds that the Government has not established that Al-Adahi was a trainer at Al Farouq.
4. Bodyguard for Usama Bin Laden
To establish its allegation that Al-Adahi was a bodyguard for Bin Laden, the Government makes an argument similar to its contention that Petitioner was an instructor at Al Farouq. It offers what it calls "direct" evidence from another detainee that Al-Adahi did security work for Bin Laden, and attempts to substantiate that evidence by pointing to Al-Adahi's familiarity with other Bin Laden bodyguards. The Government does not meet its burden on this point.
The principal evidence to support this allegation comes in the form of _____ JE 35 at 1-2. _____ JE 35 at 1-2. _____ Id. at 2. _____ Id. at 1.
In an earlier report, _____ JE 30 at 1. _____ Id. at 1. _____Id. There is absolutely no other mention in the record of Petitioner's involvement with a Taliban prison, except for his denial of this accusation during his testimony. Tr. at 31-32 (June 23, 2009).
Although the intelligence reports do not mention whether _____ accounts are lengthy and detailed, which are two important indicia of reliability. Nonetheless, the witness himself suffers from serious credibility problems that undermine the reliability of his statements. JE 57 at 1-4 (outlining psychological problems and self-harm incidents); JE 75 (independent assessment of medical records); JE 76 at 3, 5 _____ report of torture by Taliban, and emotional problems brought on by father); JE 91 (containing August 2005 admission by _____ that he lied in past, and promise that he will not lie again). What is equally worrisome is that before _____ made the above statements, interrogators had expressed concern that he was being manipulated by another detainee. JE 87 at 2; before being placed next to that detainee, _____ had never made any of the claims that he made to interrogators, including the accusation against Al-Adahi. Id.
Further, the Government's corroborative evidence does little to compensate for the deficiencies specified above. There is evidence in the record that _____ See JE 15 at 1; JE 35 at 1. Similarly, there is evidence that Al-Adahi had a Casio watch when captured, JE 45 at 3, which the Government argues is a telling piece of al-Qaida paraphernalia. Gov Mot. at 16-17.
The Government asks the Court to infer that because _____ at some point during his stay in Afghanistan, _____ is credible. That confirmed detail, in turn, would strengthen the reliability of _____. The inference simply does not make sense — or in the words of a noted legal philosopher, "that dog won't hunt."
Needless to say, _____ are hardly unique items, even in Afghanistan.
A seemingly stronger argument is made by reference to Al-Adahi's description of other Bin Laden bodyguards. In a 2008 interrogation, Petitioner provided biographical sketches of a number of men who he claimed were Bin Laden bodyguards. JE 51. In all, he provided similar information for 12 bodyguards. Id. at 4-8. In the Government's view, this familiarity with Bin Laden's protectors suggests that Al-Adahi knew these men well, and worked closely with them. It argues that such a conclusion, if true, would corroborate _____ account.
The Government's position has some appeal. Al-Adahi does provide factual details about the other bodyguards that, on the surface, seem to indicate more than a passing familiarity with the men. For instance, one man, _____ had "fat thighs but was quick." Id. at 6. Another knew how to read, write, and speak English. Id. at 5. These are the sort of personal details that one does not usually learn about during a casual meeting; rather, they suggest a closer relationship.
The Court ultimately cannot credit this evidence as sufficient corroborative information to help carry the Government's burden. Upon careful analysis, the biographical sketches of the alleged bodyguards are not as significant as the Government portrays them to be. First, it is not clear from the intelligence report which parts of the sketches were provided by Petitioner and which were conclusions inserted by intelligence officials. Second, in many cases, Al-Adahi (if he was the source of all of the information) knew no more than a man's hometown, general familial relationships, and physical attributes. Given the length of his stay with _____ and the fact that he met some of the men on more than one occasion, he could have assembled this information, along with the more idiosyncratic descriptions above, based on informal interactions with them, especially since so many of them were from Taiz. It need not be the case that the only reason Al-Adahi could have come across this evidence was because he shared bodyguard duties with them.
Because _____ account of Al-Adahi's activities is undermined severely by the witness's psychological problems and checkered history of reliability, the account cannot stand on its own to carry the Government's burden. The Government's use of speculative evidence about _____ does little to shore up _____ statements. Finally, Petitioner's familiarity with other bodyguards does not, without more, compel the conclusion that he knew the men as a result of his service as a Bin Laden bodyguard.
5. Post-Training Activities
Following his brief period of training, the Government contends that Petitioner engaged in activities that demonstrate a continued commitment to al-Qaida. The Government marshals pieces of circumstantial evidence to support its allegations that after training, Al-Adahi fought for al-Qaida, stayed in the company of al-Qaida fighters, and then was arrested on a bus while fleeing from Afghanistan to Pakistan with al-Qaida soldiers.
First, the Government alleges that Al-Adahi participated in battle as an al-Qaida fighter. The Government has no statements or confessions to support its allegation that Al-Adahi fought; rather, it builds its case by pointing to inconsistencies in Al-Adahi's versions of the events that led up to his capture, as well as inferential evidence that suggests terrorist conduct. In the absence of any affirmative evidence of this allegation, the Government argues that Al-Adahi's travel pattern during September of 2001 closely tracked the location of several battles involving al-Qaida forces. See Gov. Opp'n at 3-4. Cf. JE 4 (detailing location of battles); PE 5.
The Government argues that Al-Adahi's "cover story" — that he was fleeing Afghanistan as quickly as possible after bombing of the region — rings hollow. It points to his general lack of credibility in other areas, including his explanation of an injury that he suffered while fleeing, to cast doubt on his version of events. Also, the Government notes Bin Laden's edict that men must stay in Afghanistan and wage jihad as evidence of Petitioner's reason for staying in the country and fighting. JE 55 at 4.
The Government pointed to several accounts Petitioner offered about how he suffered an injury to his arm and leg before being captured. However, each account included the same central detail that he sustained the injury after falling from a motorcycle in Kandahar. See JE 13 at 2; JE 33 at 6; JE 15 at 2; JE 14 at 1. One version of the story blames the accident on driving too fast and hitting a cart, JE 15 at 2; a second version involves _____, JE 33 at 6; in a third telling, Al-Adahi fell off of the vehicle while attempting to flee Kandahar, JE 13 at 2. Yet another version has Petitioner slipping off the motorcycle. JE 14 at 1. According to the Government's reasoning, these slight variations, together with his "diplomatic" expulsion from Al Farouq and arrest on a bus with Taliban fighters, indicates that his motorcycle "cover story" conceals the truth that he was injured in battle. See Gov. Mot. at 20.
It is correct that some minor details in the motorcycle story are not described identically in each interrogation, and this may cast doubt on precisely how Al-Adahi was injured. Nonetheless, the Government provides only speculation to resolve that doubt, contending that his travel pattern and association with Taliban fighters mean that Petitioner took up arms. Such a serious allegation cannot rest on mere conjecture, with no hard evidence to support it.
It must be emphasized that the Government had no evidence from anyone who claimed to have seen or claimed to have even heard that Al-Adahi was involved in combat activities.
Unable to prove the more serious allegation of actual participation in combat, the Government cannot rely solely on what is only associational evidence about Al-Adahi's stay at _____ and arrest in the company of individuals rumored to be part of the Taliban. Such evidence is not sufficient to carry the Government's burden.
First, the Government appears to pin its associational evidence that Petitioner was captured while traveling in the company of Taliban fighters on a statement made by Al-Adahi that "[a]fter his capture, [he] heard that there were members of the Taliban on the bus." JE 14 at 2 (emphasis added). This second-level hearsay suggests that Al-Adahi did not know the passengers' identity before boarding, and that the information was passed on to him by an unknown source. Second, it is not clear what type of bus — public or private — Petitioner boarded in fleeing Afghanistan; moreover, there is no evidence that he sought to join or was already part of a band of fighters fleeing the region. See JE 14 at 2 (describing bus trip and arrest on bus). Further, when he was arrested on the bus by Pakistani authorities, 21 _____ and was unarmed. JE 98 at 1; JE 33 at 7. He appeared to be attempting to escape the chaos of that time by any means that he could.
During an earlier bus ride, from Kandahar to Khost, Al-Adahi reported that he rode with "wounded Taliban soldiers." JE 14 at 3. He departed that bus at Khost and boarded a bus for Miram Shah. He was captured during or after this bus ride.
The Government's allegations regarding Al-Adahi's post-training activities are significant because they provide context to Petitioner's admission about training. In short, his conduct after training at Al Farouq does not demonstrate that Al-Adahi took any affirmative steps to align himself with al-Qaida. The record shows that he returned to _____ house for a few weeks, attempted to flee Kandahar, injured himself and received treatment, and then again made efforts to escape Afghanistan. The Government offered no substantive evidence that he continued on a course of substantial support for al-Qaida. Instead, it appears that once his break with the group was initiated by al-Qaida, Al-Adahi accepted his expulsion and never attempted thereafter to become a member or supporter of al-Qaida, or to further its activities in any way.
IV. CONCLUSION
When all is said and done, this is the evidence we have in this case. Al-Adahi probably had several relatives who served as bodyguards for Usama Bin Laden and were deeply involved with and supportive of al-Qaida and its activities. One of those relatives became his brother-in-law by virtue of marriage to his sister, _____ Al-Adahi accompanied his sister to Afghanistan so that she could be with her husband and _____. The wedding celebration was held in Bin Laden's compound and many of his associates attended. At that celebration, Petitioner was introduced to Bin Laden, with whom he had a very brief conversation. Several days later, the Petitioner had a five-to-ten-minute conversation with Bin Laden.
Thereafter, Petitioner stayed at an al-Qaida guesthouse for one night and attended the Al Farouq training camp for seven to ten days. He was expelled from Al Farouq for failure to obey the rules. This training represents the strongest basis that the Government has for detaining Al-Adahi. However, under the AUMF and the standards described in Gherebi, Petitioner's brief attendance at Al Farouq and eventual expulsion simply do not bring him within the ambit of the Executive's power to detain.
After his expulsion, Al-Adahi returned to the home of his sister and brother-in-law for several weeks and then traveled to other places in Afghanistan because he had no other obligations. Like many thousands of people, he sought to flee Afghanistan when it was bombed shortly after September 11, 2001.
There is no reliable evidence in the record that Petitioner was a trainer at Al Farouq, that he ever fought for al-Qaida and/or the Taliban, or that he affirmatively provided any actual support to al-Qaida and/or the Taliban. There is no reliable evidence in the record that Petitioner was a member of al-Qaida and/or the Taliban. While it is tempting to be swayed by the fact that Petitioner readily acknowledged having met Bin Laden on two occasions and admitted that perhaps his relatives were bodyguards and enthusiastic followers of Bin Laden, such evidence — sensational and compelling as it may appear — does not constitute actual, reliable evidence that would justify the Government's detention of this man. For these reasons, and the reasons set forth above, the Court grants the petition for a writ of habeas corpus.
Mindful of the limitations on the scope of the remedy in this situation, see Kiyemba v. Obama, 555 F.3d 1022, 1024 (D.C. Cir. 2009), the Court further orders the Government to take all necessary and appropriate diplomatic steps to facilitate Petitioner's release forthwith. Further, the Government is directed to comply with any reporting requirements mandated by the Supplemental Appropriations Act, Pub.L. No. 111-32, 123 Stat. 1859 (2009), if applicable, to facilitate Petitioner's release, and to report back to the Court no later than September 18, 2009, as to the status of that release and what steps have been taken to secure that release.
The exact details of this exchange are not totally clear, but the overall narrative remains the same. See Tr. at 14-15 (June 23, 2009); JE 28 at 4; JE 33 at 3.