Calls for Accountability in Havana Syndrome Investigation
In 2021, Denis Balibouse captured an image of Russian President Vladimir Putin, underscoring the urgency of addressing alleged pulsed microwave attacks attributed to Russia. Two years prior, I appealed to Congress, specifically the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, to allow me to brief them on the evidence the U.S. government possesses regarding these attacks, which are said to cause Havana Syndrome.
These incidents have injured numerous U.S. government personnel, including my family and me. Following an op-ed discussing this, the State Department retaliated against me, with the retaliation intensifying after I commended House Intelligence Chairman Rick Crawford (R-Ark.) for permitting me to testify about the coverup by the State Department and Intelligence Community.
My testimony aimed to prompt the committee to hold officials accountable for negligence and denial of medical care, which worsened many traumatic brain injuries. Despite the testimony of injured and knowledgeable officials, the committee has yet to release its investigative report.
In prior Congressional sessions, such a report would have been released quickly, ensuring accountability. However, Crawford has not released the committee’s findings, a situation perceived as a betrayal, particularly to those who faced retaliatory actions for their testimonies. The committee claims the CIA is delaying report declassification, likely because the report implicates senior CIA leadership.
This delay highlights a concerning dynamic, as Congress appears to bow to the same individuals at the core of the misconduct under investigation. Compounding this is the apparent influence of the executive branch, with suggestions that the administration prefers to withhold the report, possibly due to ties of Russia to the attacks on U.S. personnel.
The withholding of evidence linking Russia must concern everyone. Personally affected, I wish for transparency and accountability. Despite historical political betrayals, the committee only needs to release its findings to take a stand. Allowing Russian President Vladimir Putin to be treated leniently by the executive while knowing the impact of these directed energy attacks is inappropriate.
The handling of this situation by Congress establishes a worrying precedent for all citizens. As Russia assumes a questionable stance internationally, it is crucial to acknowledge its role in causing severe brain injuries to U.S. government personnel through these attacks.
Mark Lenzi, a former New Hampshire Republican Party spokesman and International Republican Institute country director, currently works at the U.S. State Department’s Diplomatic Security Service. He is receiving treatment for traumatic brain injuries sustained during his service abroad. His views do not represent those of the U.S. government.