Military Commissions Media Invitation Announced for United States v. Abd al-Rahim al-Nashiri Trial

The Department of War invites media to cover the military commission trial of Abd al-Rahim al-Nashiri, the defendant charged in the attack on the USS Cole (DDG 67). The trial is scheduled to begin June 1, 2026.

The proceedings will take place at the Expeditionary Legal Complex located on Naval Station Guantanamo Bay (NSGB), Cuba, and will be transmitted to closed-circuit television (CCTV) sites at Ft. Meade, Md.

Media may choose to travel to NSGB if agreeable to the coverage windows outlined below and are willing to pay associated flight fees. The hearing coverage windows are 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 trial. Tours of the detention facilities are not available. Requests for reporting on Guantanamo topics unrelated to the trial must be coordinated in advance through the public affairs officer with authority over those topics. OMC Public Affairs can provide point of contact information as needed.

Due to the expected duration of the trial, proceedings will occur in multiple sessions. Initial coverage windows, including travel:

• May 30 - June 6
• June 6 - 13
• June 13 - 20

* Additional coverage windows will be announced as the trial schedule progresses, and dates are subject to change based on trial progression.

** Media may request to stay for more than one week or any combination of weeks.

Registration: Click here for registration and select the appropriate case and dates as outlined above.

Deadline: All requests for the initial trial sessions must be received no later than noon, Friday, March 20. Additional details of travel preparations will be provided separately. By submitting the online request form, interested media will begin the travel process, and the OMC Public Affairs will assist in travel preparations

CCTV Site: Media choosing to view the hearing, from the media-designated viewing sites at Fort Meade, Md., or Naval Station Norfolk, Va., must send requests via email to [email protected] with e-mail subject line matching the court case and the following information: name, position, news organization and contact information.

Contact Mr. Ronald Flesvig, OMC Public Affairs, for additional questions at [email protected] or (571) 372-3713.

Case information can be viewed at the Office of Military Commissions website: https://www.mc.mil.