Shocking Truth Behind Salem Hamdan's Interrogation: The Unedited Footage of Osama bin Laden's Driver

The Pentagon has released a video from 2001 showing the interrogation of Salem Hamdan, a Yemeni man who was the driver of Osama bin Laden. The video, which was recorded shortly after Hamdan's capture in Afghanistan, shows him kneeling on a dirt floor with handcuffs and a hood over his head. An American soldier removes the hood and an interrogator off camera begins questioning Hamdan in Arabic. The video includes chyrons with an English translation of the exchange.

During the interrogation, Hamdan is asked about weapons found in his car and his support for al-Qaida. He denies knowing anything about the weapons or al-Qaida's operations. The interrogation is measured and not overly aggressive, and there are no visible signs of abuse or torture. Hamdan appears at ease, almost relaxed, and is even allowed to adjust his sitting position for comfort. At one point, he even starts interrogating the interrogator.

In 2008, Hamdan was convicted of providing material support to al-Qaida. A charge of conspiring with al-Qaida was dropped. He was sentenced to 5 and a half years in prison, but was released shortly thereafter because he had already spent 6 years in custody at the Guantanamo Bay Naval Base detention camp in Cuba.

This video was released by the Office of Military Commissions and is in the public domain. Copying, editing, and reproduction are authorized and encouraged.