Terror Trials in U.S. Are A Worry

Washinfton ComPost ^ | Friday, March 6, 2009 | Jerry Markon

[angkor]

Terror Trials in U.S. Are A Worry Classified Data Just One Hurdle By Jerry Markon Washington Post Staff Writer Friday, March 6, 2009; Page A04

When suspected al-Qaeda sleeper agent Ali Saleh Kahlah al-Marri was indicted on criminal charges last week, the Obama administration said it was sending a message that the U.S. courts can deal with terror suspects.

But Marri says he was subjected to painful stress positions, extreme sensory deprivation and violent threats and was denied access to lawyers when he was held in a military brig in South Carolina. Those claims are likely to become part of his defense against charges of conspiracy and providing material support to terrorists.

As the Obama administration wrestles with what to do with the detainees at the prison at the U.S. Naval Base in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, officials will be closely monitoring how Marri's case winds its way through the U.S. courts.

In a recent executive order, President Obama vowed to close the facility within a year. Although the administration has not ruled out other possibilities for prosecuting the approximately 245 detainees, including military courts-martial, the order cites only federal courts, and Obama has praised how they handle terrorism cases.

Any plan for terrorism trials in federal courthouses would face extraordinary difficulties, lawyers say. Much of the evidence is classified, and key witnesses are reluctant to testify. Government secrets can be spilled. Litigation can be expensive and stretch for years. Security is a nightmare.

The Guantanamo detainees pose hurdles on a scale rarely seen.

[See link above for more]

[angkor]

This is sick.

Also the reason I will not forgive GWB for failing to demand a formal written Declaration Of War against the State Dept. "Designated Terrorists" list including al Qaeda and many other Muslim terrorists. There was absolutely no reason he couldn't have done that (and I have been saying this since the 10/11/2001 "War Powers Resolution" that GWB got from Congress.

Consequently here's the mess he left as the result of that monumental failing (not to mention that Kalid Sheik Mohammad might go free):

(from above article)

"Many of them were captured by the military and were subjected to interrogation techniques which might meet Geneva Convention standards but will not hold up in civilian court."

[and]

"Detainees would have the same rights as any criminal defendant, including the ability to represent themselves and be released if found not guilty. "

So you see, GWB caused 9/11 to become a "police action" after all.

Bastard.

[Virginia Ridgerunner]

I agree.

[concerned about politics]

In a recent executive order, President Obama vowed to close the facility within a year. Although the administration has not ruled out other possibilities for prosecuting the approximately 245 detainees

In my opinion, Oboma is doing everything he can to protect his Muslim brothers. One look at the economy today and one would think Oboma is trying to finish the job his Muslim brothers failed to do on 9/11.

[LibLieSlayer]

I understand what you are saying but I really don't think that you can blame Bush for hussein being a muzzie and aiding and abetting his brother muzzies. I doubt Bush ever dreamed that America would actually elect an al qaeda sympathizer to the Office of President... but 52.4% of American knuckle draggers did.

LLS

[Brilliant]

“But Marri says he was subjected to painful stress positions, extreme sensory deprivation and violent threats and was denied access to lawyers when he was held in a military brig in South Carolina.”

And the liberal judges appointed by Barack Obama will no doubt consider those claims to be a valid defense.

[angkor]

IMO it has almost nothing whatsoever to do with Zer0.

The ACLU/Socialist/leftie assault against Gitmo and the attempts to drag the terrorists (aka unlawful combatants) into American courts of law have been unceasing and relentless for several years now.

Which could all have been avoided with GWB demanding a Declaration of War (against those on the State Dept. terrorist list) on October 2001. There is no question that GWB had the mandate and the bully pulpit to make that demand on Congress.

In which case each and every terrorist would also have been a formal unlawful combatant under international law and the Geneva Conventions.

Which means NO TRIALS.

Unlawful combatants don’t get trials.

They do however get shot.... as spies.

[angkor]

>>>>> And the liberal judges appointed by Barack Obama will no doubt consider those claims to be a valid defense. <<<<<

Huh?

This has been going on for several years.

Zer0 has been POTUS for 6 weeks.

[RipSawyer]

One look at the economy today and one would think Oboma is trying to finish the job his Muslim brothers failed to do on 9/11.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Occam quick, get the razor!

[RipSawyer]

That was their mistake, they should have released him from the brig in South Carolina...right in the middle of the Great Pee Dee river swamp with an anvil cuffed to his ankle.

[popdonnelly]

I can see the logic of this. We should have taken all those German, Italian, and Japanese prisoners we captured during World War II and given them immediate and free access to U.S. Federal courts. They should have been at least as entitled to these rights as terrorist gangs. Don’t we owe them or their families reparations?

[Crim]

Obama aids terrorists.

Bush’s fault....

yeah yeah sure sure....