Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Gitmo Inmates May Testify for bin Laden Aide

Prosecutors seek to block testimony as threat to national security

By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff

Posted Jul 15, 2008 5:07 AM CDT
Email

(Newser) – Fellow Guantanamo Bay inmates may testify at the upcoming terror trial of Osama bin Laden’s former driver, the Washington Post reports. Lawyers for Salim Ahmed Hamdan hope the testimony will prove their client was not a high-level terror operative. The military officer in charge of the case said he would allow it, and that it would probably be a boon to Hamdan. But prosecutors say the testimony could threaten national security.

“The detainees hold in their heads some of the most serious national security and intelligence sources and methods that the United States has,” said a prosecutor, who is seeking to block the testimony. One potential witness is Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, who claims he directed the 9/11 attacks. The officer overseeing the case said he didn't believe Hamdan could "have a fair trial without this evidence."

In this photograph of a sketch by courtroom artist Janet Hamlin, reviewed by the U.S. Military, Khalid Sheikh Mohammed attends his arraignment at Guantanamo Bay, June 5, 2008.
In this photograph of a sketch by courtroom artist Janet Hamlin, reviewed by the U.S. Military, Khalid Sheikh Mohammed attends his arraignment at Guantanamo Bay, June 5, 2008.   (AP Photo/Janet Hamlin)
Salim Ahmed Hamdan is seen in this undated file photo.
Salim Ahmed Hamdan is seen in this undated file photo.   (AP Photo)
Guantanamo detainee Salim Ahmed Hamdan, far left, sits flanked by his legal team inside the courtroom during a U.S. Military Tribunal arraignment, at Guantanamo Naval Base, June 4, 2007.
Guantanamo detainee Salim Ahmed Hamdan, far left, sits flanked by his legal team inside the courtroom during a U.S. Military Tribunal arraignment, at Guantanamo Naval Base, June 4, 2007.   (AP Photo/Janet Hamlin)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

Overseer calls for defense, prosecution 'compromise'
Los Angeles Times

Prosecutor: detainee testimony could cause another attack
Miami Herald

European lawmakers want trial blocked
Associated Press

Hamdan may have been kept from sleeping
Reuters

 
Guantanamo Bay • Khalid Sheikh Mohammed • Guantanamo prisoners • Salim Ahmed Hamdan • terror suspects • terror trial

More Newser Stories

Gitmo Trial Will Proceed After Judge Threatens Delay

Destroying Key Records Was Standard at Gitmo

Gitmo Drives Detainees Crazy: Lawyers

Gitmo Detainee Acquitted on 284 Counts

'Guantanamo, NY,' Awaits 9/11 Accused
NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne