The Department of Defense invites media to cover the sentencing hearing on Jan. 15-Feb. 2, 2024, for two men alleged to have committed law of war violations, Mohammed Nazir Bin Lep and Mohammed Farik Bin Amin are currently being detained at the Joint Task Force detention facility in Naval Station Guantanamo Bay (NSGB) Cuba.
The Malaysia-born men have been charged jointly in connection with their alleged roles in the 2002 and 2003 bombings in Indonesia.
The hearings are scheduled as follows:
- Jan. 15-19, 2024: Plea Colloquy and Resolution of Any Outstanding Motions
- Jan. 22-Feb. 2, 2024: Sentencing Proceedings
The proceedings will occur at the Expeditionary Legal Complex located in NSGB Cuba and will be transmitted to select closed-circuit television sites in the United States
Media may choose to travel to NSGB if agreeable to coverage windows outlined below and willing to pay flight fees associated ($800); coverage windows are determined by flights, which are Saturday to Saturday. Media ground rules will be provided following registration.
Media members should note the primary purpose of this invitation is to cover the military commissions. Tours of the detention facilities are not available. Requests for reporting on Guantanamo topics unrelated to the military commissions — such as the naval base operations, facilities, or personnel — must be coordinated in advance through the respective public officer authorized to approve those topics. OMC public affairs can provide point of contact information as needed.
Coverage windows are based on Office of Military Commissions-chartered flight availability to/from NSGB.
- Jan. 13-20
- Jan. 20-27
- Jan. 27-Feb. 3
*Media may choose to stay more than one week.
Registration: Click here for registration and select the appropriate case and dates as outlined above.
Deadline: All requests must be received no later than 5 p.m. EST, Friday, Nov. 17, 2023.
Additional details of travel logistics will be provided separately. By submitting the online request form, interested media will begin the travel process and the OMC PAO will assist in travel preparations.
CCTV Site
Media desiring to view this hearing from the media-designated viewing site at Fort Meade, Md. must send their requests via email to osd.mc-alex.OMC.mbx.omc-pa@mail.mil 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 adam.r.cole6.mil@mail.mil or 571-372-8934.
Case information can be viewed at the Office of Military Commissions website: https://www.mc.mil.