Guide Note

On July 15, 2008, attorneys who represent Omar Khadr, a Canadian-born terror suspect detained at Guantanamo Bay, released excerpts of a videotaped interrogation.¹ The video footage, recorded in 2003, shows 16-year-old Khadr being questioned by a Canadian Security Intelligence Services agent.²

Fast Facts

1. Omar Khadr was captured in Afghanistan in 2002
2. Khadr was accused of throwing a grenade that killed a U.S. soldier²
3. Brought to Guantanamo Bay in Cuba
4. Video recorded during February 2003 interrogation¹
5. Khadr was 16 years old at the time of interrogation
6. Questioned for 7.5 hours

The interrogation of 16-year-old Khadr took place six months after he was captured in Afghanistan. The video footage was compiled over a three day period. In the released video footage, Khadr is quested about his links to Al Qaeda, about his friends and family and about his Islamic faith.

At first, it appears as if Khadr is comfortable with the agents. As the interrogation continues for several days, Khadr becomes increasingly upset. He tries to show the agents his wounds and says "you don't care about me." Later in the video, Khadr can be seen sobbing and repeating "Help me...Help me." ³