Yemeni poet accused of crafting terrorist propaganda asks to represent him

[Judi Lynn]

Yemeni poet accused of crafting terrorist propaganda asks to represent himself in Guantanamo hearing


ASSOCIATED PRESS
7:01 a.m. August 26, 2004

GUANTANAMO BAY NAVAL BASE, Cuba – A Yemeni poet accused of crafting terrorist propaganda asked to represent himself Thursday before a U.S. military commission, but the panel said it was not allowed.

Ali Hamza Ahmad Sulayman al Bahlul, 33, of Yemen, is charged with conspiracy to commit war crimes. He appeared with his head shaved, wearing tan pants and a gray polo shirt.

When asked if he had any questions, he said through an Arabic interpreter: "Am I allowed to represent myself?"

The presiding officer, Army Col. Peter E. Brownback, said the order setting up military commissions does not allow for it.
(snip/...)

http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/nation/terror/20040826-0701-guantanamotrials.html

[Fovea]

1. Thinking about the bust of Lenin on Grover's desk

I think it is clear that the soviet transformation of America is complete.

In fact, we are not even as well treated as the subjects of the former USSR, as we don't even have public healthcare.

We, now like the old USSR, fear poets. While this warms my poet's heart, it chills my citizen's soul.