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September 5, 2008 5:13:13 AM CDT

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Historic Terror Trial Starts Today

Posted Jul 21, 08 2:42 AM CDT in US,  Crime & Courts,  World 

(Newser) – The trial of Osama bin Laden's  former driver is set to begin at Guantanamo Bay today. Salim Hamdan, accused of transporting weapons, will be tried by the first military commission since the end of World War II, reports the Washington Post.The proceedings promise to be the first big test of the controversial military justice system introduced after the 9/11 attacks.

A jury of military officers will hear the case under rules much more deferential to the prosecution than a civilian trial;  hearsay evidence and evidence gained from "cruel" and "inhuman" interrogation may be permitted under some circumstances. Due to his enemy combatant status, Hamdan is unlikely to be released even if the court acquits him of of conspiracy and material support of terrorism charges.

Source Washington Post

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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 Bay, Monday, June 4, 2007.   (AP Photo/Janet Hamlin, Pool)
Salim Ahmed Hamdan is seen in this undated file photo. Hamdan's trial at Guantanamo Bay is scheduled to begin today.   (AP Photo)
Col. Steven David, Chief Defence Counsel for the U.S. Military Commissions, takes a question during a press conference at Guantanamo Bay U.S. Naval Base , Thursday, June 5, 2008.   (AP Photo/Brennan Linsley, Pool)
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Guantanamo Bay  • Salim Ahmed Hamdan  • 9/11 attacks  • Guantanamo tribunals  • military commissions


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