Obama planning US trials for Guantanamo detainees

[babylonsister]

Nov 10, 6:40 AM EST

Obama planning US trials for Guantanamo detainees

By MATT APUZZO and LARA JAKES JORDAN
Associated Press Writers


WASHINGTON (AP) -- President-elect Obama's advisers are quietly crafting a proposal to ship dozens, if not hundreds, of imprisoned terrorism suspects to the United States to face criminal trials, a plan that would make good on his promise to close the Guantanamo Bay prison but could require creation of a controversial new system of justice.

During his campaign, Obama described Guantanamo as a "sad chapter in American history" and has said generally that the U.S. legal system is equipped to handle the detainees. But he has offered few details on what he planned to do once the facility is closed.

Under plans being put together in Obama's camp, some detainees would be released and many others would be prosecuted in U.S. criminal courts.

A third group of detainees - the ones whose cases are most entangled in highly classified information - might have to go before a new court designed especially to handle sensitive national security cases, according to advisers and Democrats involved in the talks. Advisers participating directly in the planning spoke on condition of anonymity because the plans aren't final.

The move would be a sharp deviation from the Bush administration, which established military tribunals to prosecute detainees at the Navy base in Cuba and strongly opposes bringing prisoners to the United States. Obama's Republican challenger, John McCain, had also pledged to close Guantanamo. But McCain opposed criminal trials, saying the Bush administration's tribunals should continue on U.S. soil.

The plan being developed by Obama's team has been championed by legal scholars from both political parties. But it is almost certain to face opposition from Republicans who oppose bringing terrorism suspects to the U.S. and from Democrats who oppose creating a new court system with fewer rights for detainees.

more...

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/O/OBAMA_GUANTANAMO?SITE=DCSAS&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT

[kdmorris]

1. Wow

I never thought anyone would ever give them a fair trial.

After the abuse they've suffered for the last 7 years, I wonder if they can even have a fair trial. They are probably in rough shape mentally.

[madokie]

2. Agreed

Its sad what we allowed to happen on bushco's watch.

[babylonsister]

3. At least they'll get a trial finally. Prepare yourself for lots of

positive changes! :toast:

[kdmorris]

5. I am!

One of my friends voted for Obama strictly because she believes he will give her the ability to travel to see her Aunt in Cuba. Her aunt (even though the woman raised her) is not considered "close enough" to my friend for her to be allowed to visit even once every 3 years.

I still cry when I think of how bad the last few years have been. Mainly because it's almost over.

[Cali_Democrat]

4. ....and justice for all

Thank you Barack Obama.

[crickets]

6. YES. Finally. -nt