Release and CIA Response
In April 2004, CIA Director George Tenet learned that El-Masri was being wrongfully detained. National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice learned of his detention in early May and ordered his release. El-Masri was released on May 28 following a second order from Rice. They flew him out of Afghanistan and released him at night on a desolate road in Albania, without apology, or funds to return home. He claimed that at the time he believed his release was a ruse, and he would be executed. He was eventually intercepted by Albanian guards, who believed him to be a terrorist due to his haggard and unkempt appearance. He was subsequently reunited with his wife who had returned to her family in Lebanon, with their children, because she thought her husband had abandoned them. Using isotope analysis, scientists at the Bavarian archive for geology in Munich analyzed his hair and verified that he was malnourished during his disappearance.
"Frances", the CIA analyst who mistakenly recommended El-Masri's detention and rendition, has been identified by Gawker as Alfreda Frances Bikowsky. She has since been promoted to chief of the agency's Global Jihad unit in charge of hunting al-Qaida and is part of the President's inner circle as his Director for Counterterrorism. "Elizabeth" (her first name), the CIA lawyer who approved the seizure of El-Masri, was reprimanded but continued to work for the agency as legal advisor to its Near East division.
Read more about this topic: Khalid El-Masri
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