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Tuesday, November 03, 2009
Holder, Gates oppose restrictions on Gitmo trials
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Are you concerned about new terror threats in the wake of the Christmas attempted attack?


The defense secretary and attorney general are opposing an attempt to prohibit Guantanamo detainees from having civilian trials in the United States.

Defense Secretary Robert Gates and Attorney General Eric Holder said in an Oct. 30 letter that they want the option of having trials by military commission or civilian courts.

A measure sponsored by Republican Sens. Lindsey Graham and John McCain and Independent Joe Lieberman would block the Justice Department from spending any funds to prosecute detainees from the Cuban island jail.

More than 200 prisoners remain in the jail, which is supposed to be closed next year.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.

WASHINGTON (AP) _ The defense secretary and attorney general are opposing an attempt to prohibit Guantanamo detainees from having civilian trials in the United States.

Defense Secretary Robert Gates and Attorney General Eric Holder said in an Oct. 30 letter that they want the option of having trials by military commission or civilian courts.

A measure sponsored by Republican Sens. Lindsay Graham and John McCain and Independent Joe Lieberman would block the Justice Department from spending any funds to prosecute detainees from the Cuban island jail.

More than 200 prisoners remain in the jail, which is supposed to be closed next year.
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Reply # 1
Date: Nov 3, 2009 - 11:34 PM EST
sceptyczny
Writes: "If this were done to Americans in a foreign land, you'd be up in arms."


-- WRONG YET AGAIN....If Americans were in a foreign country, committing heinous attrocities and unlawful acts of war in contravention of Geneva Conventions and the laws of Armed Conflict (like killing innocent civilians, not wearling military uniforms, using Mosques to launch attacks and storing weapons, etc etc), planning and commiting gross acts of terrorism against another country and its people, waging unlawful acts of war (like planting roadside bombs, suicide bombings, etc etc).....and were locked up by said foreign country in an effort to protect its citizens from wanton acts of terror perpetrated by people who pledge eternal hartred and violence against said civilians....I'd be anything but "up in arms." I'd say three cheers to that country for protecting its citizenry and interests as is their right and obligation to do as a sovereign nation.



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Reply # 2
Date: Nov 3, 2009 - 11:14 PM EST
sceptyczny
Writes: "what are you reactionaries afraid
of? That these folks will be tried, and perhaps found not guilty?

If this were done to Americans in a foreign land, you'd be up in arms."


-- No, not that they'll be tried and found "not guity." The concern is that the rules of evidence guaranteed to American citizens in crimminal cases (not acts of war, or more appropriately illegal acts of war) will be inappropriately applied. Then they'll be released, probably seek asylum in the U.S. and then eventually join domestic terorist cells right here in the U.S.

But if you agree to have them released in your neighborhood then maybe it'll be OK.
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