« Return to Search Results

Documents

CID Report (Death): 0031-03-CID899-63493

Nov. 27, 2006 | CID | ACLU-RDI 4535
This report investigates alleged the Homicide or Involuntary Manslaughter of a detainee, Dilar Dababa, by U.S. Forces. On the evening of June 12, 2003, Dababa was captured by Coalition Forces and transported to Baghdad International Airport (BIAP). Throughout the night, soldiers forced him to do "physical training": he was made to kneel down and stand up repeatedly, lie down and standup, and hold a box above his head while lying down that he dropped on his face and torso when his arms tired. After training, a soldier constructed a stinkbomb using a Meal Ready to Eat (MRE) heater, tabasco sauce, and water, and placed it in Dababa's cell. The stinkbomb caused respiratory agitation and coughing. In the morning of June 13, 2003, Dababa attempted to escape, during which two soldiers subdued him using "necessary force." One soldier punched Dababa above the left eye which caused a laceration about 2.5 cm wide that required sutures. After medical examination, he had no indications of serious injury. That evening, Dababa was found dead lying on the ground in his cell. An autopsy revealed that he died of a closed head injury that caused hemorrhaging within the brain. There was insufficient evidence to prove or disprove that soldiers committed Homicide or Involuntary Manslaughter; however, the investigation established probable cause that the guard, who made the stink bomb, committed Dereliction of Duty and Cruelty and Maltreatment.
AUTHORING AGENCIES:
RECEIVING AGENCIES:
DETAINEES MENTIONED:
INCIDENTS OF ABUSE MENTIONED:
  • 2003-06-13, Baghdad International Airport (BIAP) (Victory Base Complex), Iraq, Death
    • On the evening of June 12, 2003, Dababa was captured by Coalition Forces and transported to Baghdad International Airport (BIAP). Throughout the night, soldiers forced him to do "physical training": he was made to kneel down and stand up repeatedly, lie down and standup, and hold a box above his head while lying down that he dropped on his face and torso when his arms tired. After training, a soldier constructed a stinkbomb using a Meal Ready to Eat (MRE) heater, tabasco sauce, and water, and placed it in Dababa's cell. The stinkbomb caused respiratory agitation and coughing. In the morning of June 13, 2003, Dababa attempted to escape, during which two soldiers subdued him using "necessary force." One soldier punched Dababa above the left eye which caused a laceration about 2.5 cm wide that required sutures. After medical examination, he had no indications of serious injury. That evening, Dababa was found dead lying on the ground in his cell. An autopsy revealed that he died of a closed head injury that caused hemorrhaging within the brain.