Interrogation Log of al-Qahtani (Week 2)
0402: First shift begins. Detainee awakened and sent to bathroom. Corpsman checked detainees vitals and determined that if the detainee didn’t drink any water he would need an IV.
0415: Detainee refused water.
0420: Interrogation began with lead running pride and ego down. Enforced control of detainee approach.
0530: Detainee refuses water, IV is started. Detainee offers no resistance.
0540: Detainee taken to bathroom. While in bathroom, “My shame causes me to look at the floor” was written on the floor in the interrogation booth.
0600: Detainee given another IV bag. Lead suggested the detainee elected this procedure because he wants people to feel sorry for him. Detainee stated that he didn’t choose IV. Lead stated that he did because he wasn’t drinking water.
0715: Detainee taken to bathroom.
0740: Interrogator began showing pictures of places in Saudi Arabia informing the detainee that he will never see these places again. Detainee gave indications he was near tears, then composed himself.
0830: Interrogator began 9-11 theme. Talked about innocent children victims. Detainee stated that he didn’t believe the person who wrote the information about the victims. Detainee made to wear sign that stated “I am going to hell because I am full of hate”
0915: Detainee taken to bathroom. Detainee received another IV bag. Shown 9-11 video. Detainee protested about the music on the video.
1000: Detainee taken to bathroom and walked. Detainee given another IV bag.
1030: Interrogator continued 9-11 theme with volume turned up high.
1105: First shift ended.
1115: Second shift began.
1140: Detainee taken to bathroom and exercised, allowed to wash hands and pray.
1220: Detainee offered food and water. Detainee rejected the MRE and waited until the lead had started eating to say that he was now ready to eat. The lead did not give the detainee the MRE because he had rejected the food when it was offered and would not allow the detainee to manipulate the situation. Detainee then told lead not to bring food anymore.
1330: Detainee given 1-1/2 hour nap
1500: Detainee woken and taken to bathroom. Detainee was shown video of UBL laughing about the hijackers not knowing their mission. Detainee recounted cover story about buying used cars in the U.S. again.
1635: Break. Detainee continued cover story about buying used cars in the U.S. but was caught denying information he had just spoken about knowing A. T.
1750: Detainee taken to bathroom and exercised.
1925: Detainee used the latrine. Third shift started by asserting control over the detainee by making him exercise.
2020: Detainee refused food and water
2035: Detainee refused water
2040: Medical evaluation determined an enema was necessary.
2045: Detainee received an enema and had his first bowel movement in many days
2100: Detainee exercised.
2200: Detainee ate one complete MRE and drank 1/3 bottle of water
2300: Detainee used latrine
2345: 3rd Shift ended
01 December 2002
0400: Detainee awakened and sent to bathroom. Corpsman checked detainee’s feet for swelling and wraps feet to avoid irritation from cuffs. Detainee exercised for 10 minutes.
0420: Detainee eats MRE and drinks water.
0445: Interrogator begins circumstantial evidence theme. Detainee made consistent eye contact, but did not speak.
0600: Detainee taken to bathroom and exercised. Detainee asked guards to pray when control left the room. Control told detainee that he could not ask anyone other than the interrogator for anything.
0630: Interrogator continues circumstantial evidence theme.
0745: Detainee stated that he is on strike from food and water again. Corpsman administers IV. Detainee’s head is restrained by MP to prevent detainee from biting the IV.
0900: Detainee asked to have IV removed – denied. Detainee given one hour nap.
1000: Detainee taken to bathroom.
1101: Second shift began. Detainee taken to bathroom and exercised.
1115: Interrogation began. Detainee mostly unresponsive during discussion of 9-11 victims. Detainee asked for prayer and was denied since it wasn’t time.
1200: Detainee taken to bathroom and exercised. Offered water and prayer time. Detainee drank one full bottle and prayed.
1240: Detainee ate one MRE and drank one half bottle of water.
1300: Detainee taken to bathroom and exercised. Doctor checked vitals – O.K.
1400: Detainee taken to bathroom and exercised.
1450: Detainee taken to bathroom and exercised.
1615: Detainee taken to bathroom and walked for 10 minutes.
1715: Detainee taken to bathroom and walked for 10 minutes. Detainee drank one bottle of water and prayed.
1800: Interrogation began. Detainee offered food and water, detainee refused. Detainee stated that his treatment was making him forget things. Detainee was questioned about his cover story and continued to deny knowing A. T.
1930: Detainee taken to latrine and exercised. Control started circumstantial evidence theme centering on the 9-11 hijackers. Detainee stated that if he had been with that group on that day, he would have been the pilot.
2115: Detainee taken to latrine and exercised. Control started talking about the Koran and the detainee became angry saying that the interrogator didn’t know anything about the Koran.
2230: Detainee taken to latrine and exercised. Control compared the Manchester document to the teachings of the Koran. Detainee remained quiet.
2400: Third shift ended.
02 December 2002
0400: First shift begins. Detainee taken to bathroom and exercised.
0425: Lead began session. Detainee complained that guards were not nice.
0530: Detainee offered water – refused. Lead continued with circumstantial evidence theme.
0630: Detainee taken to bathroom and exercised. Control started session with Arabic lesson and explained how Saudis go to Bahrain for alcohol and prostitutes. Continues we are in control approach.
0800: Detainee taken to bathroom and offered water.
0900: Detainee woken up and offered MRE – refused.
0910: Lead cleaned detainee’s face and combed hair and beard. Showed 9-11 video.
1000: Lead and control explained that detainee has no control.
1030: Control began “birthday party” and placed party hat on detainee. Detainee offered birthday cake - refused. Interrogators and guards sing “God bless America”. Detainee became very angry.
1100: Second shift began. Detainee taken to bathroom and exercised for ten minutes.
1115: Control began talking to detainee to calm him.
1145: Lead enter booth and began talking to detainee. Detainee unresponsive.
1215: Detainee offered water and prayer. Detainee refused. Detainee taken to bathroom and exercised for ten minutes.
1230: Detainee offered food and declined, then reconsidered and asked to eat. Detainee ate one MRE after the interrogators decided to allow him to eat if he asked nicely.
1330: Detainee taken to bathroom and exercised ten minutes. Detainee unresponsive.
1500: Detainee taken to bathroom and exercised ten minutes. Lead runs approach about holes in cover story.
1600: Detainee taken to bathroom and exercised ten minutes. Lead continues approach and detainee tries to negotiate by saying that he will talk if he is returned to his brothers in Cuba.
1715: Detainee drank one bottle of water and prayed.
1730: Detainee taken to bathroom and exercised.
1800: Third Shift began interrogation with Al-Qaida Falling Apart theme. Detainee ate one Hostess Cupcake with interrogation team.
1845: SGT M began took over interrogation
1850: Detainee exercised
1940: Detainee ate one full MRE and drank _ bottle of water
1950: SGT B employed Circumstantial Evidence theme.
2010: Detainee exercised
2015: SGT M took over interrogation
2035: Interrogation team took a break
2100: Detainee exercised
2115: Detainee finished exercising
2120: SGT B employed Manchester Document, focusing on the beating and killing of hostages.
2135: SGT M took over interrogation and employed Futility and Saudi Government Left him themes
2200: Detainee began to tell his cover story again after SGT M questioned asked him about his future and what it would be like living in jail for the rest of his life. Detainee had been silent all night; therefore he was allowed to retell certain parts of his story again. Detainee provided more general information about alleged contacts in Saudi Arabia. Detainee was evasive about his family and would only request that Saudi Government ministries be contacted to verify his story. Detainee appeared nervous when asked if he had connections to Saudi royal family.
2300: SGT B questioned detainee extensively about his business plan. It became readily apparent that he knows very little about business and international trade.
2345: SGT M questioned detainee about his family. Detainee was very evasive and refused to provide anything other than his family’s PO box. BSCT observation indicated that detainee was lying during entire exchange.
000: Detainee used latrine and went to bed.
03 December 2002
0400: Lead woke detainee up and sent him to the bathroom. Detainee was exercised.
0425: Lead began session with circumstantial evidence theme and “you are a failure” approach.
0615: Detainee drank water and was sent to the bathroom and exercised.
0630: Control began session on circumstantial evidence theme with “you have no control” approach. Detainee was attentive but unresponsive.
0800: Detainee taken to bathroom. Refused meal stating that he is fasting.
0830: Lead and control started “tell the truth” approach using circumstantial evidence theme.
0930: Interrogators gave class to new MPs in view of detainee stating the resistance training, clouded thinking, series of mistakes, and attempts to gain control that the detainee has exhibited. Interrogators ran puppet show satirizing the detainee’s involvement with Al Qaida.
1040: Detainee was given a nap.
1100: Detainee awakened, taken to the bathroom, and exercised 10 minutes.
1120: 2nd shift interrogation team entered booth, ENS C, (Lead), IS1 E (Control) and a female DOD linguist. Discussion was aimed at calming detainee down as he was upset. Detainee was mostly unresponsive.
1210: Detainee given head break and 10 minutes exercise.
1225: Detainee was offered water and refused. He was refused “Salat.”
1235: Detainee offered lunch and refused.
1330: Detainee given head break and 10 minute exercise.
1440: Detainee given head break and 10 minute exercise.
1550: Detainee given head break and 10 minute exercise.
1600: Detainee placed down for nap.
1900: Detainee asked for bathroom break, granted.
2000: Phase 1B begins. Detainee awakened and told he is being taken back to Cuba, hooded, and loaded into ambulance. Ambulance drove a few feet and detainee was taken out and into a different interrogation booth. ENS S lead interrogator with a female DOD linguist. ENS S was in civilian clothes and ran an approach to plant seeds in the detainee’s mind on how to end the interrogations. The approach centered around how Al Qaida had destroyed Islam and the detainee’s life had been spared because it was now his jihad to tell the world about how 9-11 was wrong, and help rebuild Islam.
2040: Detainee hooded and taken to new primary interrogation booth that was decorated with photos of 9-11 victims, the U.S. flag, flags of coalition forces in the global war on terrorism, and red lighting. Detainee was subject to loud music for 20 minutes.
2100: Hood was removed and U.S. National Anthem was played. CAPT W was lead interrogator with the same female DOD linguist.
2105: Detainee’s head and beard were shaved with electric clippers. Detainee started resistance when beard was shaved and MPs had to restrain. Shaving was halted until detainee was once more compliant. LTC P supervised shaving. No problems occurred. Photos were taken of detainee when the shaving was finished.
2130: CAPT W began bad muslim theme. Detainee said CAPT W was oppressed.
2330: Corpsman checked detainee’s vitals – O.K.
2345: Detainee hooded and walked for 10 minutes.
2400: Detainee taken to different interrogation booth where ENS S began asking questions about his mission to Orlando. Detainee unresponsive and did not make eye contact.
04 December 2002
0010: Detainee replied “I don’t know” when asked the question “What is a normal life?”
0100: Detainee offered food and water – refused. Five minutes later detainee said he wanted to eat. Interrogator continued questioning, the told detainee he could now eat. Detainee ate one MRE and drank water.
0115: Interrogator resumed session by telling the detainee the “right” way to interrogate him.
0120: Detainee was told that Usama bin Laden needed bodyguards to protect him from Islam (interrogator was hinting about the Taqfir without using the word) and that detainee’s family was also at risk. Detainee seemed either confused or concerned.
0130: Detainee was hooded and taken back to primary interrogation booth. Loud music was played and the “devil in the smoke” theme was run.
0200: SGT R (lead) and SGT L (control) enter booth. Detainee attempted to gain control by interrupting lead when the futility approach was started.
0300: Detainee offered food and water – refused. Detainee taken to bathroom and walked.
0320: Lead tells detainee Usama bin Laden is making a whore of Islam. Detainee told lead that he is “looking for trouble”. “Arrogant Saudi” approach is run. Detainee was angered by approach.
0400: Cover story is thoroughly mocked. Detainee dislikes theme and states that he will not talk until he is interrogated the proper way.
0515: “Usama bin Laden as a politician” is discussed. Detainee complains about a picture of a 9-11 victim being taped to his trousers – received the “I control all” speech from interrogator.
0615: Detainee told that the truth would get him back to his brothers in Cuba.
0700: Detainee taken to bathroom and put to bed.
1100: Second shift began with IS1 E, SGT A , and a DOD linguist. Detainee was awakened in old interrogation booth by interrogators.
1130: Detainee was taken to bathroom and walked for 10 minutes. Moved to primary interrogation booth. Detainee complained that the General had said he should be returned to Cuba.
1230: Detainee was offered food and ate one MRE and drank one bottle of water.
1300: Detainee was taken to bathroom and walked for 10 minutes – complained of dizziness when walking.
1315: Corpsman checked vitals – O.K. Christina Aguilera music played. Interrogators ridiculed detainee by developing creative stories to fill in gaps in detainee’s cover story.
1410: Doctor checked vitals – O.K.
1415: Detainee taken to bathroom and walked 10 minutes.
1540: Detainee taken to bathroom and walked 10 minutes. Detainee was offered water – refused. Circumstantial evidence theme ran. Detainee was asked what would happen to the hijackers souls on judgement day. Detainee responded that all the people in the towers were infidels.
1710: Detainee taken to bathroom and walked 10 minutes.
1740: Doctor checked vitals and determined that detainee was becoming dehydrated. Drew blood to check kidney function. Lab results showed the detainee’s kidney function was normal.
1800: Third shift began with SGT L and SGT M and a DOD linguist. The detainee was given two IVs by the medic. The detainee began to talk when questioned on why he was clean shaven in his passport, and his answer was that he was not a good Muslim at that time. The detainee was bothered by the presence and touch of a female. Detainee tried to get out of the seat and restraints. Rules have changed theme was used. No response.
1900: Detainee was offered food and water he refused.
1920: Medical representative removed the IV.
2003: Detainee went to the latrine and was walked, offered food and water refused.
2102: Detainee was taken to the latrine and was walked.
2200: Detainee had not said a word since 2000 hours.
2300: Detainee performed exercise to reduce swelling of hands and feet.
2330: Detainee was taken to the latrine and walked, and on return he began to talk, in response to him being told that his travel story was weak.
05 December 2002
0001: First shift began. SGT R (lead) and SGT L (control) enter booth with interpreter. Lead follows up with questioning about detainee’s plane ticket.
0025: Control covers used car part of detainee’s cover story. Detainee complains about being tired.
0051: Detainee is exercised and hands are strung loosely above head to reduce swelling from an earlier IV. Detainee is told to stand to improve circulation.
0100: Detainee is offered water – refused. “Al Qaida falling apart; captured; talking” theme is run. “Al Qaida used Islam” theme is run.
0300: Detainee is checked and cleared by corpsman. Sent to bathroom and walked.
0330: “What we know” theme was run. Detainee asked to stand up. Was allowed to stand then told to sit down in order to maintain control.
0400: Detainee was told to stand and loud music was played to keep detainee awake. Was told he can go to sleep when he tells the truth.
0420: Detainee was given 30 minute nap since he was unable to stay awake during interrogation.
0450: Control covered detainee’s cover story.
0600: Lead enter booth and told detainee to sit up straight. Detainee would not comply and MPs sat him upright. Detainee told lead that he would only answer questions on his cover story, but did not elaborate any further on the story. Lead begins reclaiming control of session. Detainee is made to stand up and face the American flag while the national anthem is played. Detainee resists MPs as they maintain control.
0700: Detainee asks to go to bathroom. Lead tells detainee he must say “please”. Detainee complies and is taken to bathroom. Detainee asks for prayer – denied. Lead offers food and water – detainee states he is on strike. Detainee put to bed.
1020: Detainee woke up himself and requested to go to bathroom. Was taken to bathroom and walked 10 minutes.
1100: Detainee awakened by 2nd shift interrogation team. Ran “Arrogant Saudi” approach and “Al Qaida destroyed Islam” theme. Detainee unresponsive.
1215: Detainee sent to bathroom and walked for 10 minutes.
1240: Detainee offered food – ate one MRE and drank one bottle of water. A bottle of water was also left with the detainee for him to sip on during the shift. Interrogators began “bad muslim” theme. Ran “circumstantial evidence” theme.
1400: Detainee sent to bathroom and walked 10 minutes. Corpsman checked vitals and changed wraps on ankles. Detainee was O.K. Interrogator began reading from a book of Koranic prayers. Detainee became agitated and yelled for Allah. Detainee tried to kick interrogator and MPs held his legs and hands down. Interrogator began “lonely” theme and detainee lunged at interrogator. MPs regained control of detainee. Detainee stated that his emotions were making him behave badly, then started making odd faces. Interrogators told detainee that they had seen crazy people before and he was not crazy, so detainee stopped making faces.
1545: Detainee taken to bathroom and walked for 10 minutes.
1600: Medical checked vitals – O.K.
1630: Detainee told interrogators that he was in charge now and they would bring him food and water when he wanted and they would let him sleep when he wanted. Interrogators established control over detainee by having him alternately sit and stand. Detainee seemed near crying and was told not to cry on this shift.
1800: Detainee became irritated with the female invading his personal space. He made several attempts to push her away from him with his back because she was standing behind him. Detainee spit at SGT M and the DoD linguist because he was annoyed by the female behind him and they were seated directly in front of him. Detainee was offered water and food. He did not want water or food.
1900: Detainee was given a latrine break. After the latrine break detainee was exercised because he had swelling in his hands and feet. During the walking exercise the detainee attempted to injure two guards. Detainee used all of his body weight elbowing one guard and then elbowed the other guard. The guards quickly restrained and secured the detainee to his chair and the interrogation continued. Detainee was offered water but he quickly denied it. The interrogation continued with the theme that the Rules have changed.
1945: Detainee finally decided to eat. He did not drink the water that was given to him with his meal.
2016: Medical representative took vitals of the detainee. She stated that the detainee’s vitals were normal. The interrogation continued with the theme being Saudi Government. The detainee was not responsive nor did he appear concerned with the Saudi Government.
2108: Detainee was taken to the Latrine. He was also offered water but he refused the water.
2225: Detainee became completely quiet, he would stare into space, and he would attempt to put his head down but when commanded to raise his head he would comply. The interrogation continued with the theme of the Manchester Document.
2320: Detainee was escorted to the latrine.
06 December 2002
0001: 1st shift begins. Interrogator talked about Zacarius Mousaui and his capture. Detainee stated that since Mousaui would’ve been the 20th hijacker, he could not be. Detainee also stated that if he had been one of the hijackers, he would’ve gotten into the country. Circumstantial evidence was run. Detainee stated that he couldn’t have applied for a visa in Riyahd three days after the Orlando incident because he was in the U.A.E.
0100: Detainee’s vitals are checked – O.K. Interrogators tried to engage detainee in discussion of falconry. Detainee complained about being asked the same questions, asked to be taken back to Cuba.
0130: Detainee offered water – refused.
0140: Detainee confronted with evidence of another detainee identifying him at a safehouse in Kabul. Detainee accused of being a bodyguard.
0230: Detainee sent to bathroom, walked for 20 minutes. Detainee drank one and a half bottles of water. Corpsman checked vitals – O.K.
0300: Futility approach run. Detainee told this will never end and things will get worse.
0420: Detainee taken to bathroom.
0430: Discussed Saudi royal family and corruption in the middle east with detainee. Detainee states that corruption should be studied and stopped, can start out small and grow. Detainee uses analogy about someone smoking, then drinking, then moving on to drugs. Detainee will not discuss political corruption. Interrogator told him he must be very angry to do what he did. Detainee replied that he is a simple man and is not angry.
0530: Corpsman checks detainee’s IV stint. Detainee was asked how he feels about Al Qaida and replied that he is displeased because they killed innocent people.
0630: Detainee allowed to pray.
0700: Detainee taken to bathroom and put to bed.
1100: Detainee awakened, taken to bathroom, and walked 10 minutes.
1115: Interrogation team entered the booth. Loud music was played that included songs in Arabic. Detainee complained that it was a violation of Islam to listen to Arabic music.
1200: Detainee refused a bathroom break and was walked 10 minutes.
1210: Corpsman checked detainee’s vitals – O.K.
1225: Detainee offered food – ate one MRE and drank one bottle of water. Started 9-11 theme. Detainee asked to pray when confronted with photos of child victims and was denied. Interrogators told detainee he was using religion as a tool to escape hard questions. “Al Qaida falling apart” theme was started. Detainee was told God was not with them because He had given detainee to us and helped us defeat Al Qaida and the Taliban. Detainee declared a hunger strike and said he would decide when to eat. Interrogators began “we control all” theme.
1400: Detainee taken to bathroom and walked 10 minutes. Corpsman replaced ankle bandages to prevent chafing from cuffs. Started “Al Qaida used Islam” and “bad muslim” themes. Detainee said “I will tell the truth” and told the interrogator to get out some paper. He also said “I am doing this to get out of here”. Detainee began talking but would not give any information about people other than himself. Detainee talked about traveling to Afghanistan and meeting UBL who gave him money and sent him to America. Detainee also talked about his travel after he was turned away from Orlando.
1600: Detainee allowed to pray after promising to continue cooperating. Detainee asked for air conditioner to be turned off and asked for blanket – both were given.
1610: Detainee offered water and bathroom break – refused.
1715: Detainee allowed to pray.
1730: Detainee ate an apple. Refused water and bathroom break. Detainee’s story began to get vague and had many holes where third party involvement should have happened. Interrogators eventually determined the detainee was veering away from the truth and closed their shift.
1930: Third shift interrogation team enters the booth. The approaches employed were Pride and Ego down, Fear Up Harsh, and Invasion of Space by a Female. The detainee became very violent and irate. Detainee attempted to liberate himself from the chair in order to get away from the female. He struggled for approximately forty minutes attempting to move out of the presence of the female.
2030: Detainee was exercised for approximately fifteen minutes. The Medical Representative checked the detainee’s blood pressure and weight. She cleared the detainee for further interrogation. Detainee refused water and food. Interrogation continued with the theme of Al Qaeda falling apart. The approach that was used during this phase of the interrogation was pride and ego down with an occasional fear up harsh if necessary.
2100: Detainee was sent to latrine.
2115: Detainee was offered food and water once again and he refused.
2150: Detainee was given a latrine break. He was offered food and water and he refused.
2230: Again detainee was offered food and water. He refused to eat or drink water.
2320: Detainee stated that he met M. K. in the United Arab Emirate during his travels. He stated that K. was a businessman, 5’10” tall, Afghani, and in his mid to late 30’s. The interrogation team believed this was a lie and the detainee began to stare at the wall quietly as SGT M continued to interrogate detainee using the pride and ego up with a fear up harsh combination.
2340: Medical representative checked the detainee at the request of the Military Police.