Mousovi v. Obama
916 F. Supp. 2d 67
D.D.C.2013Background
- Petitioners seek habeas corpus review of detention at Guantánamo Bay, challenging reliance on Top Secret, source-related information with no adequate substitute.
- The court used ex parte, in camera review and substitutes to balance national security with meaningful review; some Top Secret source materials remain unreleased to counsel.
- Respondents submitted a classified factual return and later supplements; the court adopted Khan’s substitute-review framework for Secret materials.
- For some Top Secret source information, no adequate substitute exists; petitioner's counsel cannot review these materials.
- The court concludes that such Top Secret materials need not be disclosed to counsel for meaningful habeas review, and continued reliance on them is permissible under Boumediene and Khan.
- The court emphasizes the primacy of the court’s independent review in determining the legality of detention, while protecting national security interests.
Issues
| Issue | Plaintiff's Argument | Defendant's Argument | Held |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whether Top Secret source information without an adequate substitute can be used in habeas review | Morafa argues disclosure is necessary for meaningful review | Respondents contend no adequate substitute exists and disclosure is not necessary | Top Secret information may be relied on without disclosure to counsel |
| Whether the court must force disclosure or withhold it to protect sources | Counsel should access meaningful evidence via substitutes or disclosure | National security prohibits disclosure of sources/methods | Court may withhold Top Secret source information while allowing adequate substitutes for meaningful review |
Key Cases Cited
- Boumediene v. Bush, 553 U.S. 723 (2008) (reaffirms Boumediene rights and need for meaningful habeas review; suspension clause interpretation)
- Khan v. Obama, 655 F.3d 20 (D.C. Cir. 2011) (endorsed in camera ex parte review with substitute disclosures)
- Al Odah v. United States, 559 F.3d 539 (D.C. Cir. 2009) (discusses disclosure of Secret information and materiality standard)
- Al-Bihani v. Obama, 590 F.3d 866 (D.C. Cir. 2010) (limits on detainees' procedural entitlements in Guantánamo habeas cases)
- Fitzgibbon v. CIA, 911 F.2d 755 (D.C. Cir. 1990) (protects sources/methods as core intelligence elements)