F-2013-02617 INITIAL REQUEST

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Collection: 
Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): 
06109680
Release Decision: 
RIPPUB
Original Classification: 
U
Document Page Count: 
10
Document Creation Date: 
July 13, 2023
Document Release Date: 
December 9, 2022
Sequence Number: 
Case Number: 
F-2017-01914
Publication Date: 
September 10, 2013
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PDF icon F-2013-02617 INITIAL REQU[16158361].pdf495.16 KB
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JUN-28-2013 19:00 FROM: TO:703 613 3007 P.2,10 Approved for Release: 2022/11/22 C06109680 NATIONAL SECURITY PROJ ECT AMERICAN CIVIL LIBERTIES UNt0N FOUNDATION v AT LINA._ LI : [Cr 5iA---121F' 1SJUri hc* Nit' 11(0,4. 411,49 7F ,3 OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS cAk. N HL1IMAN cRz. :cPe/ AnIT-1,,NF0 ICiMQU F: 2OI3O210L1 ERICA June 28, 2013 Information and Privacy Coordinator Central Intelligence Agency Washington, D.C. 20505 Far 703.613.3007 Sent by Fax Re: Request Under Freedom of Information Act / Expeditcd Processing Requested To Whom it May Concern: This letter constitutes a request ("Request") pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act ("FOIA''), 5 U.S.C. � 552 et seq., and the Central Intelligence Agency's implementing regulations, see 32 C.F.R. � 1900. The Request is submitted by the American Civil Liberties Union and the American Civil Liberties Union Foundation (together, the "ACLU" or the "Requesters")' Requesters seek the disclosure of the Central Intelligence Agency's report (the -CIA Report") responding to the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence's report on the CIA's post-9/11 program of rendition, detention, and interrogation (the "SSC' Report"). * * The Senate Select Committee on Intelligence ("SSCI") yoted on Thursday, December 13, 2012, to approve a report detailing the findings of its three-year investigation of the CIA's rendition, detention, and interrogation program in the years after September II, 2001. According to the SSCI chairperson, the SSC1 Report�which totals nearly 6,000 ' The American Civil Liberties Union is a non-profit, 26 U.S.C. � 501(c)(4) membership organization that educates the public about the civil liberties. implications of pending and proposed state and federal legislation, provides analysis of pending and proposed legislation, directly lobbies legislators, and mobilizes its members to lobby their legislators. The American Civil Liberties Union Foundation is a separate 2d U.S.C. 501(0(3) organization that provides legal representation free of charge to individuals and organizations in civil rights and civil liberties cases, educates the public about civil rights and civil liberties issues across the &tunny, provides analyses of pending and proposed legislation, directly lobbies legislators, and mobilizes the American Civil Liberties Union's members to lobby their legislators. 1 ;�: � Approved for Release: 2022/11/22 C06109680 JUN-28-2013 19:00 FROM: TO:703 613 3007 P.3'10 Approved for Release: 2022/11/22 C06109680 AMFRICAN CIYIL LICERTIFS UNICIN FOUNDATION pages�is "the most definitive review" to be conducted of the CIA's program, including the Agency's use of so-called "enhanced interrogation techniques." See, e.g., Scott Shane, Senate Panel Approves Findings Critical of Detainee Interrogations, N.Y. Times, Dee. 13, 2012, http://nytimsNwciORk; Carrie Johnson, Report On CIA Interrogation Tactics Revives Torture Debate, NPR, Dec. 13, 2012, http://n.pr/VDKWm0; Mark Hosenball, Senators Iv Vote on Probe of CIA Interrogation Program, Reuters, Dec. 6, 2012, http://reutt-s/RbuL3T, Benjamin Wines, Senate Intelligence Committee Interrogation Report Approved�But Nor Released, Lawfare, Dec, 14, 2012, http://bitly/Vw1tvvi; Natasha Lennard, Senate-Approved CIA Torture Report Kept Under Wraps, Salon, Dec. 14,2012, http://bitly/SWIlsgh;. In the course of its investigation, which began in 2009, the SSCI reviewed millions of pages of records documenting the day-to-day operations of the CIA's interrogation program. The Commission's intent was to produce "a detailed, factual description of how interrogation techniques were used, the conditions under which detainees were held, and the intelligence that was�or wasn't�gained from the program." Joint Statement from Senator Dianne Feinstein, Chairman, Senate Intelligence Committee, and Senator Carl Levin, Chairman, Senate Armed Services Committee, Apr. 27, 2012, http://1.usa.gov/IKjkq0. After voting to approve the SSCI Report, Senator Diane Feinstein stated, "The report uncovers startling details about the CIA detention and interrogation program and raises critical questions about intelligence operations and oversight.,. The creation of long-term, clandestine `black sites' and the use of so-called 'enhanced interrogation techniques' were terrible mistakes." Feinstein Statement on CIA Detention, interrogation Report, Senator Feinstein Press Release, Dec. 13, 201.2, http://1.usa.gov/SXEWHH. On June 26, 2013, media reports indicated that the CIA completed a report calling into question the SSCI's investigative methods and widely reported findings. News accounts also state that John Brennan, Director of the CIA, will deliver the agency's report to the SSC1 on June 27, 2013. The CIA Report has been described as the agency's most thorough and critical defense of its post-9/11 interrogation and detention programs to date. See also Jordy Yager, CIA Rebuff): Congress on 'Torture Findings, The Hill, June 27, 2013, http://bitly/14ZPGe8; Greg Miller and Julie Tate, CIA Report Relates Senate Panel's Criticism of Agency's Harsh Interrogation Methods, Wash. Post, June 27, 2013, http://wapast/17Dtquw. It apparently "disputes [the SSCI's] central conclusion that harsh methods used against al-Queda detainees failed to produce significant results," Greg Miller and Julie Tate, CM Report Refutes Senate Panel's Criticism of Agency's Harsh Interrogation Methods, Wash, Post, June 27, 2013, http://wapost/17Diquw. 2 Approved for Release: 2022/11/22 C06109680 JUN-28-2013 19:00 FROM: TO:703 613 3007 P.4'10 Approved for Release: 2022/11/22 C06109680 AMERICAN (-Mt USER I IC: UNION FUUNDATION The CIA Report is of clear and enormous public importance. The American public has a right to know the full truth about the torture and other abusive treatment of detainees authorized by officials at the highest levels of our government. A fair public debate of these issues must be informed by both the Senate's comprehensive report (which the ACLU has separately requested through FOIA) and the CIA's response to that investigation. As Senator Mark Udall has said, "I am confident the American people will agree once they have the opportunity to read the [SSCI Report], as well as the CIA's official response, that this program was a failure and a tragic moment in America's history." Udall Decries Leak Concerning CIA's Response to the Senate Intelligence Committee's Study on Detention, Interrogation Program, Senator Udall Statement, June 27, 2013, littp://1.usa.gov/lOnS4eX. Release ofthe CIA Report is therefore critical to ensure timely public access to the intelligence agency's assessment ol' its interrogation and detention practices after 9/1 I. This significant information will contribute to both the historical record on the United States' intelligence practices and current and future public discussion about CIA rendition, detention and interrogation programs. I. Record Requested Requesters seek disclosure of the CIA's recently adopted report in response to the SSCi Report on the CIA's rendition, detention, and interrogation program in the years following 9/11. With respect to the form of production, see 5 U.S.C. � 552(a)(3)(13), we request that the CIA Report be provided electronically in a text-searchable, static-image format (PDF), in the best image quality in the agency's possession. II. Application for Expedited Processing We request expedited processing pursuant to 5 U.S.C. � 552(a)(6)(E) and 32 C.F.R. � [900.34(c). There is a "compelling need" for these records, as defined in the statute and regulations, because the information requested is urgently needed by an organization primarily engaged in disseminating information in order to inform the public about actual or alleged government activity. 5 U.S.C, � 552(a)(6)(E)(v); see also 32 C.F.R. � 1900.34(c)(2). In addition, the records sought relate to a "breaking news story of general public interest." 32 C.F.R. � 1900.34(c)(2) (providing for expedited processing when "the information is relevant to a subject of public urgency concerning an actual or alleged Federal government activity"), A. The ACLU is an organization primarily engaged in disseminating information in order to inform the public about actual or alleged government activity 3 Approved for Release: 2022/11/22 C06109680 JUN-28-2013 19:00 FROM: TO:703 613 3007 12.5/10 Approved for Release: 2022/11/22 C06109680 AMCRICAN CIVII IRERIJ45 UNION rilUNDA11(14 The ACLU is "primarily engaged in disseminating information" within the meaning of the statute and relevant regulations, 5 U.S.C. � 552(a)(6)(E)(v)(1e; 32 C.F.R. � 1900.34(c)(2); see also ACLU v. Dept ofJustice, 321 F. Sum), 2d 24, 30 n.S (D.D.C. 2004) (finding that a non- profit, public-interest group that "gathers information of potential interest to a segment of the public, uses its editorial skills to turn the raw material into a distinct work, and distributes that work to an audience" is "primarily engaged in disseminating information" (internal citation omitted)); see also Leadership Conference on Civil Rights v. Gonzales, 404 F. Supp. 2ci 246, 260 (D.D.C. 2005) (finding Leadership Conference�whose mission is "to serve as the site of record for relevant and up-to-the-minute civil rights news and information" and to "disseminate{] information regarding civil rights and voting rights to educate the public [and] promote effective civil rights laws"�to be "primarily engaged in the dissemination of information"), Dissemination of information about actual or alleged government activity is a critical and substantial component of the ACLU's mission and work. The ACLU disseminates this information to educate the public and promote the protection of civil liberties. The ACLU's regular means of disseminating and editorializing information obtained through FOlA requests include: a paper newsletter distributed to approximately 450,000 people: a bi-weekly electronic newsletter distributed to approximately 300,000 subscribers; published reports, books, pamphlets, and fact sheets; a widely read Wog; heavily visited wcbsites, including an accountability microsite, hup://www.aclu.org/accountability, and a video series. The ACLU also regularly issues press releases to call attention to documents obtained through FOlA requests, as well as other breaking news,z ACLU attorneys arc interviewed frequently for news stories about See, e.g., Release, American Civil Liberties Union, Documents Show FBI Monitored Bay Area Occupy Movement, Sept. 14, 2012, hrcp://www.aclu.org/noder.36742; Press Release, American Civil Liberties Union, FOIA Documents Show FRI Using "Mosque Outreach" for Intelligence Gathering, Mar. 27, 2012, http://www.aclu,orginationah security/foia-documents-show-fbi-using-mesquerotareach-intelligence-gathering; Press Release, American Civil Liberties Union, FOIA Documents Show FBI Illegally Co//erring Intelligence Under Guise of "Community Outreach," Dec. 1, 2011, http://www.ac lu.orgthational-sceuritydoia-documents-show4bisillegally4collecting- intelligence-under-guise-community; Press Release, American Civil Liberties: Union, FOIA Documents from FBI Show Unconstitutional Racial Profiling, Oct. 20, 2011, http://vnvw.aclii.org/national-security/foia-doeuments-tbiishow4inconsti tutional-racial- profiling; Press Release, American Civil Liberties union, Documents Obtained by ACLU Show Sexual Abuse of Immigration Detainees is Widespread National Problem, Oct, 19, 2011, littp://wwwoclu.orgAnunigrants-rightsiprisoners-rights-prisoners- rights/documents-obtained-aclu-show-sexual-abusc, Press Release, American Civil Liberties Union, New Evidence of Abuse at Bagram Underscores Need for Full Disclosure About Prison, Says ACLU, June 24, 2009, htlp://www.aclu.org/nutios- 4 Approved for Release: 2022/11/22 C06109680 JUN-28-2013 19:01 FROM: TO:703 613 3007 P.6/10 Approved for Release: 2022/11/22 C06109680 AMLRICAN CIVU I IRENTItS UNION FOLINDAIWN documents released through ACLU FOIA requests? The ACLU website specifically includes features on information about actual or alleged government activity obtained through FOIA! For example, the ACLU maintains an online -Torture Database," a compilation of over 100,000 FOIA documents that allows researchers and die public to conduct sophisticated searches of FOIA documents relating to government policies on rendition, detention, and interrogation! The ACLU also maintains a "Torture FOR" webpage containing commentary about the ACLU's FOIA request, press releases, and analysis of the FOIA documents.' (That webpage also notes that the ACLU, in collaboration with Columbia University Press, has published a book about the documents obtained through FOR. See Jame& Jailer & Amrit Singh, Administration of Torture: A Documentary Record from Washington to Abu Cihraib and Beyond (Columbia Univ. Press 2007)). Similarly, the ACLU's webpage about the Office of Legal Counsel ("OLC") torture memos obtained through FOIA contains commentary and analysis of the memos; an original, comprehensive chart summarizing the memos; links to web features created by ProPubliea (an independent, non-profit, investigative-journalism organization) based on the ACLU's information gathering, research, and analysis: and ACLU videos about the memos: In addition to websites, the ACLU has produced an in-depth television series on civil liberties, which has included analysis and explanation of inlbrmation the ACLU has obtained through FOR. securityinew-ev buse-bagram-underscores-need-full-disclosure-about-prison- says-aclu. 3 See, e.g., Carrie Johnson, Ochry in Releasing CIA Report Is Sought; Justice Dep't Wants More Time w Review IC's Findings on Detainee Theatment, Wash. Post, June 20, 2009 (quoting ACLU staff artomey Arndt Singh); Peter Finn et Julie Tate, CIA Mistaken on 'High-Value' Detainee: Document Shows, Wash. Post, June 16, 2009 (quoting ACLU staff attorney Ben Wizner); Scott Shane, Lawsuits Force Disclosures by CL{, Times, June 10, 2009 (quoting ACLU National Security Project director JameeljalTer); Joby Warrick, lake FBI; CIA Has Used Secret 'Letters, Wash. Post, Jan. 25, 2008 (quoting ACLU staff anomey Melissa Goodman). 4 S'ee, ag hup://www.aclu.urginationaLsecurity/predator-drone-foia; httry.//www.ac-Itorg/national-sceurity/anwar-al-mlaki-lbia-request; hilp://www,acill.Orgitorturefoia; hup://www.achLorgiolememos; hup://www.aelthorg/mappingthefbi; hup:fiwww.aclu,orginational-security/bagram-foia; littp://www.aelu.orgisalefree/torrureesrtfoia.htual; Imp ac orginaisecifoia/sezuch hup://www.aclu.orgisafefreeinsaspying,/30022res200602071am1; Imp://www.aclu.org/patrioffoia; http://www.aclumrgispyfiles; hrrp.11www.aclu.orgisafefreeinationalsecurityletter.02140res200710.11.hunl; and hap://www.aciu.orWexclusion. s http://www_turturedarabase.org- http://www.aclu_urg/totturefoia. 7 hitpliwww.ael u.orWsafefreeige neral/ole_mentos. him]. 5 Approved for Release: 2022./11/22 C06109680 JUN-28-2013 19:01 FROM: 70:703 613 3007 P.7/10 Approved for Release: 2022/11/22 C06109680 AMCRICAN CIVIL I IFIFFIT,Eo UNION RAND/L(10N The ACLU plans to analyze and disseminate to the public the information gathered through this Request. The record requested is not sought for commercial use, and the Requesters plan to disseminate the information disclosed as a result of this Request to the public at no cost.5 B. The record sought is urgently needed to inform the public about actual or alleged government aCtivity. The CIA Report is urgently needed to inform the public about actual or alleged government activity; moreover, this document relates to a breaking news story of general public interest, specifically, the CIA's rendition, detention and interrogation program and its authorization of abusive techniques between 2002 and 2009. See 32 C.F.R. � 1900.34(0(2). We make this Request to fitrther the public's understanding of the CIA's program and the role of senior officials in conceiving or and authorizing the use of abusive interrogation techniques in the wake of September 11,2001. The public has and continues LO manifest an abiding interest in the conduct of the CIA and other executive agencies with respect to individuals seized, detained, and interrogated for counterterrorism purposes. While U.S. intelligence officials have acknowledged that the CIA used harsh and coercive interrogation techniques, Congress's SSCI Report investigation set forth the most comprehensive account to date of what happened and why. Thus, release of the CIA's Report in response to the SSCI's findings is imperative for establishing a full and accurate analysis of the intelligence agency's practices. The contents of the CIA Report will inform urgent and ongoing debate about the agency's interrogation program. Release of the CIA's analysis of SSCI findings will enhance public discourse by providing the intelligence community's perspective on, "one of the most controversial programs in its history." Greg Miller and Julie Tate, CIA Report Refittes Senate Panel's Criticism of Agency's Harsh Interrogation Methods, Wash. Post, June 27, 2013, http://wapo.stil7Dtquw Thus, the ACLU's request for expedited processing should be granted. � In addition to the national ACLU offices, there are 53 AC:LU affiliate and national chapter offices located Throughout the United Stares and Puerto Rico. These offices further disseminate ACLU material to local residents, schools, and organizations through a variety of means, including their own websires, publications, and newsletters. Further, the ACLU makes archived materials available at the American Civil Liberties Union Archives at Princeton University Library. 6 Approved for Release: 2022/11/22 C06109680 JUN-28-2013 19:01 FROM: TD:703 613 3007 P.8/10 Approved for Release: 2022/11/22 C06109680 AMFRIf AN I. VII_ LIDERTIE:c UNION FOUNDATION ilL AnOication for Waiver or Limitation of Fees A. Release of the record is in the public interest, We request a waiver of search, review, and reproduction fees on the grounds that disclosure of the requested record is in the public interest because it is likely to contribute significantly to the public understanding of the United States government's operations or activities and is not primarily in the commercial interest of thc requester. 5 U.S.C. � 552(a)(4)(A)(iii); 32 C.F.R. � I 900.13(b)(2). The CIA Report will significantly contribute to public understanding of the government's operations or activities. Moreover, disclosure is not in the ACLU's commercial interest. Any information obtained by the ACLU as a result of this FOIA request will be available to the public at no cost. See 32 C.F.R. � 1900.13(b)(2). Thus, a fee waiver would fulfill Congress's legislative intent in amending FOIA. See Judicial Watch Inc v. Rossotti, 326 F.3d 1309, 1312 (D.C. Cir. 2003) ("Congress amended FOLA to ensure that it he liberally construed in favor of waivers IbT noncommercial requesters." (internal quotation marks and citation omitted)); OPEN Government Act of 2007. Pub. L. No. 110-175, � 2, 121 Stat. 2524 (finding that "disclosure, not secrecy, is the dominant objective of the Act," quoting Dept alAir Force v Rose, 425 U.S. 352, 361 (1992)). 13. The ACLU qualifies as a representative of the news media A waiver of search and review fees is warranted because the ACLU qualifies as a -representative of the news media" and the SSC1 Report is not sought for commercial use. 5 U.S.C. � 552(a)(4)(A)(ii); see also 32 C.F.R. � 1900.02(h)(3), Accordingly, fees associated with the processing of this request should be "limited to reasonable standard charges for document duplication." The ACLU meets the statutory and regulatory definitions of a "representative of the news media" because it is an "entity that gathers information of potential interest to a segment of the public, uses its editorial skills to turn the raw materials into a distinct work, and distributes that work to an audience." 5 U.S.C. � 552(a)(4)(A)(ii)(11); see also Nat'l Sec. Archive v. Dep't of Del, 880 F2d 1381, 1387 (D.C. Cir. 1989); c/ Am. Civil Liberties Union v. Dept ofJustice, 321 F. Supp. 2d 24, 30 n.5 (D.D.C. 2004) (finding non-profit public interest group to be -primarily engaged in disseminating information"). The ACLU is a Approved for Release: 2022%11/22 C06109680 JUN-28-2013 19:01 FROM: TO:703 613 3007 P.9/10 Approved for Release: 2022/11/22 C06109680 AMERtrAN r l'efL LISER tiFaiON 1-ULINDATION "representative of the news media" for the same reasons that it is -primarily engaged in the dissemination of information." See Elec., Privacy, Info. Cm v. Dep't of Del, 241 F. Sapp. 2d 5, 10-15 (D.D.C. 2003) (finding non-profit public interest group that disseminated an electronic newsletter and published books was a "representative of thc pews media" for FOIA purposes)? Indeed, the ACLU recently was held to be a "representative of the news media." Sen. Women's Action Network v. Dep't of Defense, No, 3:11CV1534 (IVIRK.), 2012 WI., 3683399, at *3(0 Conn. May 14, 2012). See also Am. Civil Liberties Union of Wash. v. Dep of Justice, NO. C09-0642RSL, 2011 VII_ 887731. at *10 (W.D. Wash, Mar. 10, 2011) (finding ACLU of Washington to be a "representative of the news media"), reconsidered in port on other grounds, 2011 WL 1900140 (W.D. Wash. May 19, 2011), * * Pursuant to applicable statute and regulations, we expect a determination regarding expedited processing within ten (10) calendar days. See 5 U.S.C. � 552(a)(6)(E)00(1); 32 C.F.R. � 1900.21(d). If the request is denied in whole or in part, we ask that you justify all withholdings by reference to specific exemptions to the FOIA. We also ask that you release all segregable portions of otherwise exempt material. 90n account of these factors, fees associated with responding to FOIA requests are regularly waived for the ACLU. In June 2011, the National Security Division of the Department of Justice granted a fee waiver to the ACLU with respect to a request for documents relating to the interpretation and implementation via section of the PATRIOT ACT, in October 2010, the Department of the Navy granted a fee waiver to the ACLU with respect to a request for documents regarding the deaths of detainees in U.S. custody. In January 2009, the CIA granted a fee waiver with respect to the same request. In March 2009, the State Department granted a fee waiver to the ACLU with regard to a FOIA request submitted in December 2008. The Department ofJus-tice granted a fee waiver to the ACLU with regard to the same FOIA request, In November 2006, the Department of health and Human Services granted a fee waiver to the ACLU with regard to a FOIA request submitted in November of 2006. In May 2005, the U.S Department of Commerce granted a fee waiver to the ACLU with respect to its request for information regarding the radio-frequency identification chips in United States passports, In March 2005, the Department of State granted a lee waiver to the ACLU with regard to a request regarding the use of immigration laws to exclude prominent nun-citizen scholars and intellectuals from the country because of their political views, statements, Or associations. In addition, the Department of Defense did nut charge the ACLU fees associated with FOIA requests submitted by the ACLU in April 2007, June 2006, February 2006, and October 2003 The Department elks-nee did not charge the ACLU fees associated with FOIA requests submitted by the ACE).) in November 2007, December 2005, and December 2004 Finally, three separate agencies�the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Office of Intelligence Policy and Review, and the Office of Information and Privacy in the Department of Justice�did not charge the ACLU fees associated with a Fel A request submitted by the ACLU in August 2002, 8 Approved for Release: 2022/11/22 C06109680 JUN-28-2013 19:01 FROM: TO:703 613 3007 Approved for Release: 2022/11/22 C06109680 We reserve the right to appeal a decision to withhold y infbrolution or to deny a waiver of fees, Please furnish the applicable records to: Alex Abdo American Civil Liberties Union 125 Broad Street 18th Floor New York, NY 10004 AMEMCAN CIVIL RFRTiLl, UNION FOLNCIAIION Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter. I hereby certify that the foregoing is true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief. See 5 U.S C. � 552(a)(6)(E)(vi), Alex Abdo American Civil Liberties Union Foundation 125 Broad Street 18th Floor New York NY 10004 Fax: 212.549,2654 Approved for Release: 2022/11/22 C06109680 JUN-28-2013 19:00 FROM: Approved for Release: 2022/11/22 C06109680 T0:703 613 3007 P.1'10 TO: AMERICAN MIES UNION National Headquarters Legal Department 125 Broad Street � New York, NY 10004 FAX: (212) 549-2651 FAX TRANSMITTAL SHEET INFORMATION AND PRIVACY COORDINATOR CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY WASHINGTON, D.C. 20505 Fax NumBER: (703) 613-3007 FROM: SamEERA RAHMAN LEGAL ASSISTANT, NATIONAL SECURITY PROJECT DATE: JUNE 28, 2013 Total number of pages (including this cover page): 10 This transmission is intended for the sole use of the individual and entity to whom it is addressed, and may contain information that is privileged, confidential and exempt from disclosure under applicable taw. You are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or duplication of this transmission by someone other than the addressee Or its designated agent is strictly prohibited. Approved for Release: 2022/11/22 C06109680