« Return to Search Results

Documents

Fay Report: Investigation of 205th Military Intelligence Brigade's Activites in Abu Ghraib Detention Facility

Aug. 23, 2004 | DOA | ACLU-RDI 4999

This report discusses an investigation into the alleged abuse of detainees at Abu Ghraib Detention Facility. The investigation was ordered initially by LTG Ricardo S. Sanchez, Commander, Combined Joint Task Force Seven (CJTF-7). LTG Sanchez appointed MG George R. Fay as investigating officer. MG Fay was appointed to investigate allegations that members of the 205th Military Intelligence Brigade (205 MI BDE) were involved in detainee abuse at the Abu Ghraib Detention Facility. Based on the dates stated in the report, the abuses took place over a four month period, between September 2003 - December 2004. The investigation uncovered over 40 incidents of abuse, including the death of a detainee. The report concludes that there was a clear breakdown in discipline and in the leadership of the soldiers.

AUTHORING AGENCIES:
INCIDENTS OF ABUSE MENTIONED:
  • 2003-01-08, Abu Ghraib (Baghdad Correctional Facility (BCCF)), Iraq
    • Soldier 17 was conducting an interrogation of a Baath Party General Officer in the shower area of Tier 1B of the hard site, Soldier 17 observed Soldier 27 and an MP guard and Soldier 27's black dog enter the cell of two juvenile detainees, one named 'Casper.' They allowed the dog to get about a one foot from the juveniles, the dog was barking and scaring them. Soldier 17 overheard Soldier 27 say that they were competing to see if they could get the detainees to be so scared as to defecate on themselves, mentioning that he had already gotten some to urinate themselves.
  • 2003-09-15, Abu Ghraib (Baghdad Correctional Facility (BCCF)), Iraq
    • At 950 unidentified MI personel, using the initials CKD, directed the use of isolation on an unidentified detainee. The detainee was directed to leave his outer cell door open for ventilation and was directed to be taken off the light schedule.
  • 2003-09-16, Abu Ghraib (Baghdad Correctional Facility (BCCF)), Iraq
    • This is the earliest nudity incident identified in Abu Ghraib. An MP log indicated the detainee 'was stripped down per MI and he is neked (sic) and standing tall in his cell.' The following day they arrived to find the detainee had already removed his clothing, he had voluntarily done so in protest.
  • 2003-09-19, Abu Ghraib (Baghdad Correctional Facility (BCCF)), Iraq
    • Soldiers 16, 07 and a civilian contract interpreter conducted a late night/early morning interrogation of a 17 yr old Syrian foreign fighter. The detainee was naked and had fashioned a Meals Ready to Eat bag to cover his genital area. At one point someone directed the detainee to raise his hands, which caused the bag to fall to the ground and exposed the detainee. Soldier 16 used a direct approach with the incentive of getting back his clothing.
  • 2003-09-20, Abu Ghraib (Baghdad Correctional Facility (BCCF)), Iraq
    • Major General George Fay was appointed to investigate allegations that members of the 205th Military Intelligence Brigade (205 MI BDE) were involved in detainee abuse at the Abu Ghraib Detention Facility. It was reported that two Military Intelligence soldiers beat, kicked and yelled at a passive-cuffed detainee. The soldiers then 'threw' the detainee into the back of high-mobility multi-purpose wheeled vehicle (HMMWV). When First Lieutenant Sutton intervened, the soldiers would not identify themselves and told 1LT Sutton, ' we are professionals; we know what we are doing.'
  • 2003-10-07, Abu Ghraib (Baghdad Correctional Facility (BCCF)), Iraq
    • Major General George Fay was appointed to investigate allegations that members of the 205th Military Intelligence Brigade (205 MI BDE) were involved in detainee abuse at the Abu Ghraib Detention Facility. It was reported that three Military Intelligence personnel sexually abused female Detainee #29. One unidentified soldier, Soldier #33, stood outside of her cell, while another held her hands behind her back and the other forcibly kissed her. She was then escorted to another cell, downstairs, where she was shown a picture of a naked male detainee and told the same would happen to her if she did not cooperate. She was then taken back to her cell, forced to kneel and raise her arms while one soldier, #31, removed her shirt and cursed at her and said they would be back every night.
  • 2003-10-17, Abu Ghraib (Baghdad Correctional Facility (BCCF)), Iraq
    • A photo was taken, which depicts a naked detainee chained to his cell door with a hood on his head. Several other photos depict a hooded detainee cuffed to his bed with underwear on his head. The photos could not be linked to a specific incident, detainee or allegation.
  • 2003-10-20, Abu Ghraib (Baghdad Correctional Facility (BCCF)), Iraq
    • Major General George Fay was appointed to investigate allegations that members of the 205th Military Intelligence Brigade (205 MI BDE) were involved in detainee abuse at the Abu Ghraib Detention Facility. It was reported that detainee #3 was stripped of his clothes and physically abused. He stated that SSG Frederick requested that the detainee's clothing and mattress be taken away. The next day he was cuffed to his cell door for several hours. He claimed he was then taken to a closed room where he had cold water poured on him and his face, he was forced into someone's urine, he was beaten with a broom, spat upon, and a female soldier stood on his legs and pressed a broom against his anus. He described getting his clothes during the day from SGT Joyner, but having his clothes taken away each night by CPL Graner.
  • 2003-10-25, Abu Ghraib (Baghdad Correctional Facility (BCCF)), Iraq
    • Major General George Fay was appointed to investigate allegations that members of the 205th Military Intelligence Brigade (205 MI BDE) were involved in detainee abuse at the Abu Ghraib Detention Facility. It was reported that detainees 27, 30 and 31 were stripped of their clothing, handcuffed together nude, placed on the ground and forced to lie on each other and simulate sex while photographs were taken. Six photos depict this abuse. Detainees were also abused, yelled at through a megaphone, and forced to crawl on their stomachs. Also, Soldier #19 dumped water on the detainees from a cup and threw a foam football at them.
  • 2003-10-25, Abu Ghraib (Baghdad Correctional Facility (BCCF)), Iraq
    • Major General George Fay was appointed to investigate allegations that members of the 205th Military Intelligence Brigade (205 MI BDE) were involved in detainee abuse at the Abu Ghraib Detention Facility. Three photographs taken on October 25, 2003 were discovered, which depict PFC England holding a leash that is wrapped around the neck of an unidentified detainee. SFC Ambuhl is also present in the photo. England stated in an initial statement that CPL Graner placed the tie down strap around the detainee's neck and asked England to pose for the photo.
  • 2003-10-27, Abu Ghraib (Baghdad Correctional Facility (BCCF)), Iraq
    • Major General George Fay was appointed to investigate allegations that members of the 205th Military Intelligence Brigade (205 MI BDE) were involved in detainee abuse at the Abu Ghraib Detention Facility. It was reported that detainee 08 was sent to the "Hard Site" where he was stripped of his clothing for six days. He was then given a blanket and remained with only the blanket for three days. He was then transported by CPL Graner to the shower room, where Graner and Frederick threw pepper in the detainee's face and beat him for a half an hour. The soldiers beat him with a chair until it broke, hit him in the chest, kicked and choked him until he lost consciousness. He was then put into 'the hole' (a small light-less isolation closet). Detainee also recalled that Graner would occasionally throw the detainee's food into the toilet and say ' go take it and eat it.'
  • 2003-11-04, Abu Ghraib (Baghdad Correctional Facility (BCCF)), Iraq, Death
    • Major General George Fay was appointed to investigate allegations that members of the 205th Military Intelligence Brigade (205 MI BDE) were involved in detainee abuse at the Abu Ghraib Detention Facility. It was reported that detainee #28 died while in custody in Tier 1B. It is alleged a Navy SEAL team captured the detainee during a Joint TF-121/CIA, at some point a SEAL team member butt stroked the detainee on the side of the head, allegedly because he was resistant. He was later brought to the facility around 430PM-530PM without notifying JIDC Operations, which was in contravention to Army procedures. The detainee was then taken to a shower room in Tier 1B, where SPC Stevanus was summoned. Stevanus removed the sandbag over the detainee's head, felt for a pulse and believed the detainee was dead. A prison medical doctor later determined the detainee was in fact dead; an autopsy later revealed that the detainee had died from a blood clot in his head, "a likely result of injuries sustained while resisting apprehension."
  • 2003-11-04, Abu Ghraib (Baghdad Correctional Facility (BCCF)), Iraq
    • Major General George Fay was appointed to investigate allegations that members of the 205th Military Intelligence Brigade (205 MI BDE) were involved in detainee abuse at the Abu Ghraib Detention Facility. It was reported that six photographs were discovered, which depict Detainee #15 standing on a box with simulated electrical wires attached to his fingers and a hood over his head. The detainee described a female making him stand on the box and telling him if he fell off he would be electrocuted. Also, a recalled a black man putting the wires on his fingers and penis. The CID investigation determine the soldiers to be, SGT J. Davis, SPC Harman, SSG Frederick and CPL Graner were present during the abuse.
  • 2003-11-05, Abu Ghraib (Baghdad Correctional Facility (BCCF)), Iraq
    • A detainee stated that another detainee was stripped, forced to stand on two boxes, have water poured on him and his genitals hit with a glove. Additionally, the detainee was handcuffed to his cell door for a half day without food or water. The detainee was also forced to crawl on the ground. The detainee was later identified as Detainee #9, 'Assad.'
  • 2003-11-05, Abu Ghraib (Baghdad Correctional Facility (BCCF)), Iraq
    • Major General George Fay was appointed to investigate allegations that members of the 205th Military Intelligence Brigade (205 MI BDE) were involved in detainee abuse at the Abu Ghraib Detention Facility. An interrogation report contained a recommendation, which read 'Detainee has been recommended for the hold in ISO. Detainee should be treated harshly because friendly treatment has not been productive and because COL Pappas wants fast resolution or he will turn the detainee over to someone other than the 205th[MI].' On November 29, 2003, MI interrogators told a detainee that 'he would go into the Hole if he didn't start cooperating.' On December 8, 2003, unindentified interrogators told a detainee that he was 'recommended for movement to ISO and the Hold-he was told his sun would be taken away, so he better enjoy it now.'
  • 2003-11-07, Abu Ghraib (Baghdad Correctional Facility (BCCF)), Iraq
    • Major General George Fay was appointed to investigate allegations that members of the 205th Military Intelligence Brigade (205 MI BDE) were involved in detainee abuse at the Abu Ghraib Detention Facility. It was reported that on November 7 and 8, 2003 twenty-nine photographs were taken. The photos depict seven detainees, detainee #s16, 17, 23, 24, 26, 01, 18), who were physically abused, placed in a pile and forced to masturbate. Present in some of the photos are CPL Graner and SPC Harman. The detainees were also jumped on by SGT J. Davis, CPL Graner, and SSG Frederick, the detainees were also ridden like animals.and CPL Graner knocked at least one detainee unconscious. The interviewee recounted that at one point during the abuse, SSG Frederick hit a detainee so forcefully in the chest that the detainee could not breath and a medic was summoned. The medic, Soldier 29, observed a 'human pyramid' of detainees with bags over their heads. The medic also witnessed, on another occasion, CPL Graner slapping a detainee. The CID investigation also identified SSG Frederick, SGT J. Davis, SPC Ambuhl, SPC Sivits and PFC England as participants.
  • 2003-11-14
    • Major General George Fay was appointed to investigate allegations that members of the 205th Military Intelligence Brigade (205 MI BDE) were involved in detainee abuse at the Abu Ghraib Detention Facility. It was reported that on or around November 14, 2003, Detainees #10 and 12 claimed that they and four Iraqi generals were abused upon arrival to the facility's "Hard Site". Detainee #10 was documented as receiving a 1.5"laceration on his chin, the result of being slammed against a wall. Detainee #12 alleged being slammed to the ground, punched, and forced to crawl naked to his cell with a sandbag over his head.
  • 2003-11-16, Abu Ghraib (Baghdad Correctional Facility (BCCF)), Iraq
    • Soldier 29 decided to end an interrogation of a detainee, because she believed he was uncooperative. In response to the detainee's behavior, the soldier decided strip the detainee and planned to use the 'Pride and Ego Down' approach. The soldier walked the semi-naked detainee across the camp.
  • 2003-11-18, Abu Ghraib (Baghdad Correctional Facility (BCCF)), Iraq
    • A photograph depicts a detainee, #25, dressed in a shirt or blanket lying on the floor with a banana inserted into his anus. The same detainee was covered in feces, with his hands encased in sandbags, or tied in foam in between two stretchers. The CID investigation determined that the incidents were self-inflicted. Nonetheless, the incidents constituted abuse because the detainee was known to have a severe mental condition, which caused him to behave in that manner. Therefore, the detainee should not have been given the banana and should not have been photographed.
  • 2003-11-24, Abu Ghraib (Baghdad Correctional Facility (BCCF)), Iraq
    • Major General George Fay was appointed to investigate allegations that members of the 205th Military Intelligence Brigade (205 MI BDE) were involved in detainee abuse at the Abu Ghraib Detention Facility. Three abuses were alleged to have taken place on this date. On this date a detainee obtained a pistol from an Iraqi police guard, shot an MP and was subsequently shot and wounded. CPT Brinson allegedly beat and kicked a detainee. SGT Spiker observed an Army Captain drag an unidentified detainee in a choke hold, throw the detainee against a wall and kick the detainee in the mid-section. In another instance, a detainee was lying on his stomach with his hands cuffed behind his back and a bag over his head. One soldier stood next to him with the barrel of his rifle pressed against the detainee's head. The other soldier was kneeling next to the detainee punching him in the back with a closed fist. The soldier then stood up and kicked the detainee several times.
  • 2003-11-26, Abu Ghraib (Baghdad Correctional Facility (BCCF)), Iraq
    • On November 26, or 27, 2003, Soldier #15 observed the interrogation of an Iraqi police officer-detainee. Throughout the interrogation, SSG Frederick alternated between coming into the cell and standing next to the detainee and standing outside the cell. Civilian #11, a CACI contract interrogator, would inform the detainee that if he did not answer, he would bring SSG Frederick back into the cell. At one point SSG put his hand over the detainee's nose, not allowing him to breathe for a few seconds. In another instance, SSG Frederick used a collapsible nightstick to push and possibly twist the detainee's arm, causing pain. Upon leaving the cell, SSG Frederick informed Soldier #15 that he "knew ways to do it without leaving marks."
  • 2003-11-29, Abu Ghraib (Baghdad Correctional Facility (BCCF)), Iraq
    • Three photographs depict an unidentified detainee dressed only in his underwear, standing with each foot on a separate box, and bent over at the the waist. The photo could not be tied to a specific incident, detainee, or allegation.
  • 2003-11-30, Abu Ghraib (Baghdad Correctional Facility (BCCF)), Iraq
    • A log entry described an unidentified detainee found in a cell covered in blood. CPL Graner and Kamauf subdued the detainee, placed restraints on him and put him in an isolation cell. At approximately 320, after hearing banging on the isolation cell door, the cell was checked, whereupon, the detainee was discovered standing by the cell door covered in blood.
  • 2003-12-04, Abu Ghraib (Baghdad Correctional Facility (BCCF)), Iraq
    • Sometime between December 4-13, 2003, SGT Adams stated that she found Detainee 06 without clothes or a blanket, his wounds were bleeding and he had a catheter on without a bag. When SGT Adams tried to have a doctor-Colonel remove the catheter, the doctor stated it was the responsibility of the CASH and would not remove it. The SGT stated it was apparent the detainee did not receive proper medical treatment, clothing or bedding.
  • 2003-12-12, Abu Ghraib (Baghdad Correctional Facility (BCCF)), Iraq
    • On December 12 or 13, 2003, Detainee #6 claimed numerous abuse incidents against US soldiers. Soldiers threatened to torture and kill him, he was forced to eat pork and drink liquor, he recalled a 'very hot' substance being poured on his nose and forehead, the guards hit his already broken leg (broken after the detainee smuggled a pistol into the Hard Site and attempted to kill an US official) with a solid plastic stick, being forced to curse in his language, being urinated upon, being hung by handcuffs from the cell door for hours with a dislocated shoulder, being 'smacked' on the back of the head, and 'allowing dogs to bit' him (the claim was substantiated by a medic), forced to stand for 'hours and hours.'Detainee #6 stated a black man threatened to rape him on two occasions. CPL Graner was named as poking the detainee's wounded leg with an asp, as the detainee stood handcuffed to the top bunk (to prevent the detainee from sitting). The detainee was also threatened with the following statement 'every one to two hours...with torture and punishment.'
  • 2003-12-12, Abu Ghraib (Baghdad Correctional Facility (BCCF)), Iraq
    • Detainee 11 was bitten on the thigh by Soldier 08's dog. The incident was captured in a photograph and appeared to be the result of detainee harassment and MP amusement. The incident took place in the Hard Site.
  • 2003-12-14, Abu Ghraib (Baghdad Correctional Facility (BCCF)), Iraq
    • On or about December 14-15, 2003 dogs were used in an interrogation. SPC Aston verbally requested a dog to interrogate a detainee, COL Pappas sought permission, which was granted and a dog was delivered. SPC Aston stated the dog was muzzled the entire time and was about five feet away from the detainee.
  • 2003-12-18, Abu Ghraib (Baghdad Correctional Facility (BCCF)), Iraq
    • A photo depicts a Syrian detainee, detainee #14, kneeling on the floor with his hands bound behind his back, with a black dog a few feet from his face. The dog is leashed, but not muzzled. The dog belonged to Soldier 27. It is stated that a contract interrogator, Civilian 21, used dogs without authorization and directed the abuse in this incident.
  • 2003-12-27, Abu Ghraib (Baghdad Correctional Facility (BCCF)), Iraq
    • A photograph depicts a naked detainee, #14, shot with a shotgun in his buttocks. However, the photo was not tied to a specific incident, detainee or allegation.
  • Unknown date, Abu Ghraib (Baghdad Correctional Facility (BCCF)), Iraq
    • Major General George Fay was appointed to investigate allegations that members of the 205th Military Intelligence Brigade (205 MI BDE) were involved in detainee abuse at the Abu Ghraib Detention Facility. It was reported that detainee #7 reported abuse, which commenced October 2003. Detainee reported that he was physically abused, left naked in his cell for extended periods of time, cuffed in his cell in stressful positions ('High cuffed'), left with a bag over his head for extended periods of time, denied bedding or blankets, made to 'bark like a dog, ' crawl on his stomach while soldiers spat and urinated upon him, and being struck until unconsciousness. He also discussed an occasion where he was tied to a window in his cell and forced to wear women's underwear on his head, and forced to lie down while MPs jumped onto his back and legs. He was also beaten with a broom and had a chemical light broken and poured over his body. Detainee #4 witnessed the abuse. Also, during the abuse, a police stick was used to sodomize detainee #7. Detainee #7 also recalls an interpreter hitting him, resulting in his ear being cut and needing stitches. Two photos depict a detainee with stitches. It is stated in report that the detainee's allegations have a high probability of being true.
  • Unknown date, Abu Ghraib (Baghdad Correctional Facility (BCCF)), Iraq
    • At an unknown date, SGT Hernandez observed a CACI contractor, Civilian #5, grab a handcuffed-detainee from the back of a high, mobility, multipurpose, wheeled, vehicle and drop him on the ground. #5 then dragged the detainee into an interrogation booth. When the detainee attempted to get up, #5 forced him to fall.
  • Unknown date, Abu Ghraib (Baghdad Correctional Facility (BCCF)), Iraq
    • Sometime in October 2003, Civilian #17, an interpreter of the Titan Corp., observed CPL Graner push a detainee, identified as one the 'three stooges' The push caused a 2.5 inch laceration to the detainee's chin, the laceration required 13 stitches. CPLR took photos of the detainee.
  • Unknown date, Abu Ghraib (Baghdad Correctional Facility (BCCF)), Iraq
    • Major General George Fay was appointed to investigate allegations that members of the 205th Military Intelligence Brigade (205 MI BDE) were involved in detainee abuse at the Abu Ghraib Detention Facility. It was reported that on an unknown date, detainee #5 observed an interpreter, Civilian #1, allegedly raped a 15-18 year old male. The detainee was heard screaming. A female soldier was seen taking pictures.
  • Unknown date, Abu Ghraib (Baghdad Correctional Facility (BCCF)), Iraq
    • Sometime in early December, a photograph was taken depicting an unidentified detainee being interrogated by Civilian #11, CACI, Interrogator, and Civilian #16, Titan, linguist. The detainee was squatting on a chair.
  • Unknown date, Abu Ghraib (Baghdad Correctional Facility (BCCF)), Iraq
    • Abusing detainees with dogs started almost immediately after the dogs arrived on November 20, 2003. Specifically, army dog teams were used during interrogations to 'fear up' the detainees. SGT Frederick and other MPs, referred to the use of dogs as 'doggy dance' sessions. In one instance, someone called 'needing' a dog, Navy Dog Team was sent,MA Kimbro. Upon arrival, MA Kimbro witnessed Civilian 11 and 16 yelling at a detainee who was squatting in the back right corner of a cell. MA Kimbro's dog was barking and lunging, at one point one the civilians stated ' You see that dog there, if you don't tell me what I want to know, I'm gonna get that dog on you!' When MA Kimbro realized he was not called to have the dog search for explosives he left.
  • Unknown date, Abu Ghraib (Baghdad Correctional Facility (BCCF)), Iraq
    • On an unspecified date, Soldier 25 and Soldier 15 observed a detainee in his underwear on a mattress with a dog standing and barking over him. Soldier 25 then observed Civilian 21 giving SGT Frederick directions, telling him to 'take him back home.' Soldier 25 stated it was common knowledge Civilian 21 used dogs. He also noted that he did not see an interpreter, so it was unlikely that Civilian 21 was actually interrogating the detainee.
  • Unknown date, Abu Ghraib (Baghdad Correctional Facility (BCCF)), Iraq
    • Removal of clothing was an 'ego down' technique used commonly in the Hard Site. It was so common that during an ICRC visit, they noted several detainees without clothing, stating at one point 'There's a lot of nude people around here.' The use of clothing as an incentive contributed to an escalating 'de-humanization' of the detainees.
  • Unknown date, Abu Ghraib (Baghdad Correctional Facility (BCCF)), Iraq
    • On an unspecified date, Civilians 15, 19, and a CJTF-7 alleged that Civilican 21 bragged and laughed about shaving a detainee and forcing him to wear red women's underwear. Several photos depict detainees with underwear on their heads.
  • Unknown date, Abu Ghraib (Baghdad Correctional Facility (BCCF)), Iraq
    • In early October 2003, Soldier 19 was interrogating a detainee and asked the detainee to roll his jumpsuit down to his waist, insinuating to the detainee that he would be further stripped if he did not cooperate. The interpreter put up his hands, stated he was uncomfortable and left the interrogation booth. Soldier 19 was forced to end the interrogation due to the lack of language support.
  • Unknown date, Abu Ghraib (Baghdad Correctional Facility (BCCF)), Iraq
    • Eleven photographs of two female detainees depict sexual exploitation. In some of the pictures, a criminal detainee is shown lifting one of the women's shirts and exposing her breasts. There is no evidence of whether these acts were consensual or coerced.
  • Unknown date, Abu Ghraib (Baghdad Correctional Facility (BCCF)), Iraq
    • In early October 2003, Soldier 11 was interrogating an unidentified detainee with Soldier 19 and others. After about an hour and forty-five minutes elapsed, Soldier 19 stopped the interrogation and asked Soldier 11 if he thought solitary confinement should be used because the detainee was allegedly uncooperative. Soldier 19 subsequently left the room and returned with SSG Frederick. SSG Frederick "jammed" a bag over the detainee's head, grabbed the detainee's handcuffs and said 'come with me piggy' and led the detainee to solitary confinement in the Hard Site. About a half an hour later the soldiers found the detainee lying on the floor, completely naked (except for the hood), whimpering. SSG Frederick began yelling 'You've been moving little piggy, you know you shouldn't move.' He then said 'I want to thank you guys, because up until a week or two ago, I was a good Christian.'