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Gitmo Detainees' Military Tribunals Mired in a Host of Snags

Untested system for 9/11 suspects stalling

By Jason Farago,  Newser Staff

Posted Apr 10, 2008 7:50 AM CDT

(Newser) – Six men detained in Guantanamo in connection with the 9/11 attacks were charged with war crimes two months ago—they were to be the first defendants in President Bush's never-tested military commission system. But not a single one has even met their counsel yet because military lawyers are in extremely short supply. It's one of several snags that have confounded efforts to get on with the military trials, the New York Times reports.

As in any legal system without any precedents, resolving detainees' claims—such as allegations of torture—has taken time. Worst of all are problems the defendants themselves are grappling with: one detainee has become so psychologically damaged in Guantanamo that he can offer his lawyers no help.

Turkish demonstrators wearing prisoner outfits with banners that read, 'Guantanamo prisoner', on their chests, take part in a protest against the U.S. in Istanbul.
Turkish demonstrators wearing prisoner outfits with banners that read, 'Guantanamo prisoner', on their chests, take part in a protest against the U.S. in Istanbul.   (AP Photo/Murad Sezer)
Guantanamo guards keep watch over a cell block with detainees in Camp 6 maximum-security facility in this Oct. 9, 2007 file photo.
Guantanamo guards keep watch over a cell block with detainees in Camp 6 maximum-security facility in this Oct. 9, 2007 file photo.   (AP Photo/Brennan Linsley)
A Guantanamo guard watches over detainees in the exercise area at Camp 5 maximum-security facility, Oct. 9, 2007.
A Guantanamo guard watches over detainees in the exercise area at Camp 5 maximum-security facility, Oct. 9, 2007.   (AP Photo/Brennan Linsley)
Air Force Brig. Gen. Thomas Hartmann, legal adviser to the Office of Military Commissions, announces formal war crimes charges against a Guantanamo prisoner at the Pentagon, Monday, March 31, 2008.
Air Force Brig. Gen. Thomas Hartmann, legal adviser to the Office of Military Commissions, announces formal war crimes charges against a Guantanamo prisoner at the Pentagon, Monday, March 31, 2008.   (AP Photo/Heesoon Yim)
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One detainee won't recognize the legitimacy of the court
Los Angeles Times

Innocent man details his five years at Guantanamo
NPR

 
War on Terror • US military • September 11 • Guantanamo Bay • Guantanamo prisoners • Military Commissions Act

 
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