ACLU and OBAMA on Guantánamo Detainees

[Jeffersons Ghost]

"As President, I will close Guantánamo, reject the Military Commissions Act, and adhere to the Geneva Conventions"
– Barack Obama, 8/1/07

Dear President-elect Obama,

I was deeply moved by your recent affirmation that you will close the Guantánamo detention facilities and shut down the military commissions, which have been a stain on America here, at home and abroad.

Nothing would make me prouder than to see you act on your first day in office to restore America's moral leadership in the world.

I want you to know that I will support your leadership on this vitally important issue in every possible way. And I will stand by you every step of the way to resist those calling for you to "go slow" or "wait for the right time" to act in defense of American freedom.

9/11 Detainees Postpone Guilty Pleas at Guantánamo

Watch a short video taken by ACLU Executive Director Anthony D. Romero while visiting Guantánamo this week.

http://blog.aclu.org/2008/12/11/video-blog-from-gitmo/

Earlier this week, five high-profile detainees attempted to submit guilty pleas before the government’s ill-conceived military commissions at Guantánamo. But, by end of day Monday, their pleas were tied up in a blizzard of confusion over unresolved legal questions.

Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and two other detainees charged with crimes related to the 9/11 attacks said they would postpone entering pleas until the competency of two additional co-defendants is determined. Outstanding questions remain about whether the death penalty can be imposed if the defendants plead guilty.

"Neither the military judge nor the accused are clear about how these proceedings will move forward," said Anthony D. Romero, Executive Director of the American Civil Liberties Union, who was at Guantánamo observing the proceedings.

[el_bryanto]

1. I guess once you step outside the law it's very hard to act lawfully

I mean what do these trials mean when the poeple prosecuting them say clearly and openly that they are starting by acting outside the law?

Bryant

[Jeffersons Ghost]

2. perhaps nothing...

"Neither the military judge nor the accused are clear about how these proceedings will move forward," said Anthony D. Romero, Executive Director of the American Civil Liberties Union, who was at Guantánamo observing the proceedings.

[Jeffersons Ghost]

3. ...

[Jeffersons Ghost]

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