The Department of Defense invites media to cover pre-trial proceedings in the case of United States v. Ramzi bin al Shibh scheduled for Nov. 10 - 14, 2025. The defendant is charged in connection with his alleged role in the September 11, 2001 attacks against the United States.
The proceedings will take place at the Expeditionary Legal Complex located in Naval Station Guantanamo Bay (NSGB) Cuba and will be transmitted to a closed-circuit television (CCTV) site at Ft. Meade, Md.
Media may choose to travel to NSGB if agreeable to the coverage window outlined below and willing to pay flight fees associated ($800); the hearing coverage window is determined by the flight schedule, which is Saturday to Saturday. Specific ground rules for coverage at NSGB will follow registration.
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 facilities or personnel — must be coordinated in advance through the respective public officer with authority over those topics. OMC public affairs can provide point of contact information as needed.
Coverage window:
*Based on Military Commissions chartered flight from Joint Base Andrews, Maryland
Media already on island/attending the United States v. Abd al-Rahim al-Nashiri hearing may be permitted to observe this hearing.
Registration: Click here for registration and select the appropriate case and dates as outlined above.
Deadline: All requests must be received no later than noon EDT, Friday, Aug. 29. Additional details of travel preparations will be provided separately. By submitting the online request form, interested media will begin the travel process and respective OMC PAO will assist in travel preparations.
CCTV Site: Media choosing to view the hearing, from the media-designated viewing site at Fort Meade, Md., must send requests via email to osd.mc-alex.OMC.mbx.omc-pa@mail.mil with e-mail subject line matching the court case and the following information: name, position, news organization and contact information.
Contact Lt. Cmdr. Anthony Ivester, OMC Public Affairs, for additional questions at Anthony.j.ivester.mil@mail.mil or (571) 372-8934.
Case information can be viewed at the Office of Military Commissions website: https://www.mc.mil