The Librarian as Watchdog: One Librarian’s Experiences as an International Observer at Guantánamo Larissa Sullivant, [email protected]

DETAINEE FACT SHEET: Abdul Hadi al Iraqi/Nashwan al Tamir Born in February 1961 in , . Fled Iraq for after Hussein’s invasion of Kuwait. Has an Afghan wife, 4 children in his adopted homeland of Afghanistan, and family back in Iraq. Captured in Turkey in October 2006 by CIA.

Held for 170 days by the CIA at an unidentified cite; allegedly was not subjected to the Enhanced Interrogation Techniques. Brought to Guantánamo in April 2007. The only known professionally trained soldier (in Saddam Hussein’s army) to go before the Military Commissions. Charged in June 2014 with denying quarter, attacking protected property, using treachery or perfidy in a series of attacks in Afghanistan and Pakistan between about 2003 and 2004; if convicted, could face life in prison. Has had 5 surgeries for degenerative disc disease since September 2017 and suffers from chronic back pain and muscle spasms as a result. Hadi is currently held with the 15 other 'High Value Detainees' at Camp 7, the location of which remains top secret. He has two cells there; one has been adapted to meet his medical needs, the other is unmodified.

Hadi’s defense team has changed five times. At the time of my visit to Guantánamo, Hadi’s defense team was Pentagon-paid defense attorneys Susan Hensler, Lt Charles D. Ball III, and Lt Dahoud A. Askar. The judges presiding over his court proceedings have changes three times. His trial has been scheduled to begin in February 2020. It is unclear whether it will go forward, given his health, and given the fact, that several weeks of hearings in his case were suspended during his defense counsel’s 12-week maternity leave (including cancelled sessions for June and July 2019). An extra-large holding cell, handicapped-accessible and equipped with a hospital bed, a sink, handrails, space for physical therapy, with a video feed and a phone line to the court was shipped to Guantánamo in late-February 2019. The cell lets Hadi live at the court during proceedings as he tries to recover from multiple spinal surgeries.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Rosenberg, Carol (carolrosenberg). Tweet. https://twitter.com/carolrosenberg?lang=en

Guantánamo prisoner Abd al Hadi al Iraqi, who says his true name is Nashwan al Tamir, poses for the International Red Cross in a 2014 photo taken for his family, and provided by his attorneys.