Combatant Status Review Tribunal Notice to Detainees[1]
You are being held as an enemy combatant by the United States Armed Forces. An enemy combatant is an individual who was part of supporting Taliban or al Qaida forces, or associated forces that are engaged in hostilities against the United States or its coalition partners. The definition includes any person who has committed a belligerent act or has directly supported such hostilities.
The U. S. Government will give you an opportunity to contest your status as an enemy combatant. Your case will go before a Combatant Status Review Tribunal, composed of military officers. This is not a criminal trial and the Tribunal will not punish you, but will determine whether you are properly held. The Tribunal will provide you with the following process:
- You will be assigned a military officer to assist you with the presentation of your case to the Tribunal. This officer will be known as your Personal Representative. Your Personal Representative will review information that may be relevant to a determination of your status. Your Personal Representative will be able to discuss that information with you, except for classified information.
- Befroe the Tribunal proceeding, you will be given a written statement of the unclassified factual basis for your classification as an enemy combatant.
- You will be allowed to attend all Tribunal proceedings, except for proceedings involving deliberation and voting by the members, and testimony or other matters that would compromise U. S. national security if you attended. You will not be forced to attend, but if you choose not to attend, the Tribunal will be held in your absence. Your Personal Representative will attend in either case.
- You will be provided with an interpreter during the Tribunal hearing if necessary.
- You will be able to present evidence to the Tribunal, including the testimony of witnesses. If those witnesses you propose are not reasonably available, their written testimony may be sought. You may also present written statements and other documents. You may testify before the Tribunal but will not be compelled to testify or answer questions.
As a matter separate from these Tribunals, United States courts have jurisdiction to consider petitions brought by enemy combatants held at this facility that challenge the legality of their detention. You will be notified in the near future what procedures are available should you seek to challenge your detention in U. S. courts. Whether or not you decide to do so, the Combatant Status Review Tribunal will still review as an enemy combatant.
If you have any questions about this notice, your Personal Representative will be able to answer them.
- ↑ Text of Notice translated, and delivered to detainees 12–14 July 2004
