The Department of Defense and the Office of Military Commissions will allocate seats for news media aboard a military-chartered aircraft for travel from Joint Base Andrews (JBA) in Maryland to Naval Station Guantanamo Bay (NSGB) Cuba to cover military commission pre-trial proceedings scheduled for United States v. Abd al Hadi al Iraqi Pre-Trial Motions Hearing, March 26-April 2, 2022.
Currently, the tentative flights will be available as follows:
- SAT March 26 – JBA to NSGB
- SAT April 2 – NSGB to JBA
Please note that the flight schedule, to include departure and arrival locations, is subject to change. Media desiring to view this hearing from NSGB must complete the online travel request form. All requests must be received no later than noon EDT, Friday, Jan. 28. Multiple requesters from the same organization must register separately via the online travel request form. On the registration form, use the drop down button to select this case as the one you desire to attend. Then, complete all information requested.
Due to a limited number of seats aboard the flight and limited accommodations at NSGB, selection is not guaranteed.
COVID Requirements
Media who can provide proof of being fully vaccinated (post 14-days from receiving complete COVID-19 vaccination of a DoD approved vaccination) will be considered for travel on the OMC charter flight. Media who are not fully vaccinated may not view the hearing from NSGB. Selected media will also be required to provide printed proof of a negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) COVID-19 viral test within 72 hours prior to the charter flight departure.
Once on NSGB, media members may be subject to surveillance testing while on NSGB and will adhere to personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements directed by the NSGB Commanding Officer, the Office of the Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs, or the military judge.
Alternative Viewing Site
Additional viewing is available for media via Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) from a media work center at Fort George G. Meade, in Maryland. Regular COVID-19 mitigation protocols, such as mask wearing and social distancing apply at all locations, although media viewing from Fort Meade are not subject to COVID-19 testing requirements.
Media desiring to view this hearing from Fort Meade must send their requests via email to osd.mc-alex.OMC.mbx.omc-pa@mail.mil with the following information (multiple requesters from the same organization must send separate emails):
Email Subject Line: Abd al Hadi al Iraqi, 26MAR - 2APR 2022
- Individual's full name
- Individual's occupation/position
- Sponsoring organization (News Outlet)
- Contact information (cell phone and email)
NOTE 1: The primary purpose of travel to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba is courtroom reporting. Tours of the detention facilities are not available. Requests for reporting on Guantanamo topics unrelated to the military commissions must be coordinated in advance through the respective Public Affairs Officers of the Office of the Secretary of Defense, U.S. Southern Command, and/or NSGB.
NOTE 2: All media must ensure their passports and visas (foreign press) are up-to-date and eligible to enter and exit the United States.
Expeditionary Legal Complex – B-roll 2017
Expeditionary Legal Complex – Photos 2014
http://www.dvidshub.net/image/1710409/expeditionary-legal-complex-guantanamo-bay-cuba#.VLAavzZOk-4
Further information including the media ground rules can be viewed at the Office of Military Commissions website at https://www.mc.mil.