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Khaled El-Masri
Rendition Victim
German citizen kidnapped and tortured by CIA due to mistaken identity
Overview
Khaled El-Masri is a German citizen who was kidnapped by the CIA in Macedonia in 2003, rendered to Afghanistan, and tortured for five months before the CIA realized they had the wrong man. He was dumped on a road in Albania. The U.S. has never acknowledged wrongdoing or compensated him.
Key Affiliations
Controversies & Concerns
German citizen kidnapped by CIA in a case of mistaken identity and rendered to Afghanistan black site
Held for months and subjected to enhanced interrogation before CIA realized they had the wrong man
European Court of Human Rights ruled Macedonia complicit in his treatment; U.S. never held accountable
Related Investigations (1)
Known Associates & Connections
George Tenet
CIA Director who oversaw extraordinary rendition program that kidnapped el-Masri and sent him to a black site
George W. Bush
President who authorized CIA enhanced interrogation and rendition programs
Condoleezza Rice
National Security Advisor reportedly informed about el-Masri's mistaken rendition
Sources & Documentation
2 documented sources from official records, investigations, and reports
Personal Information
- Born
- 1963
- Birthplace
- Kuwait
Education
Key Timeline
1963
Born in Kuwait
December 31, 2003
Kidnapped at Macedonian border
January 2004
Rendered to "Salt Pit"black site in Afghanistan
January, May 2004
Imprisoned and tortured
May 2004
CIA realizes mistaken identity
May 28, 2004
Abandoned on road in Albania
2006
U.S. courts dismiss his lawsuit citing" state secrets"
2012
European Court of Human Rights rules Macedonia violated his rights