Guantanamo military trials to continue
Friday, 13 Jun 2008 12:40
Military trials at Guantanamo Bay to proceed as planned despite ruling detainees can appeal in civilian courts
Military trials of what the United States dubs enemy combatants will continue at Guantanamo Bay despite a key supreme court decision.
The American court yesterday ruled five to four that prisoners in the Cuba-based prison had the constitutional privilege of habeas corpus and the right to challenge their detention in civilian courts.
About 270 men suspected of terrorist activity, especially with al-Qaida, are still being held at Guantanamo.
Some of the inmates have been held for up to six years without charges being brought against them.
Peter Carr, deputy director of public affairs at the US attorney general's office, expressed his disappointment at the supreme court ruling.
But he said detainees charged by a military commission with war crimes would see their trials proceed as planned.
"In the event of a conviction, the accused will have the right to appeal to both military and federal appellate courts," Mr Carr added.
Speaking during an official visit to Italy, George Bush said his administration would abide by the decision.
"That doesn't mean I have to agree with it," the president continued.
"It's a deeply divided court and I strongly agree with those who dissented... and their dissent was based on serious concerns about US national security."
Commenting on the decision, Amnesty International UK Guantanamo campaign manager Sara Mac Neice said: "This ruling is yet another clear message to the US government that it must end the travesty of justice at Guantanamo.
"No one should be held for years on end without charge or trial and it's vital now that every prisoner at the camp - including at least three with links to the UK - are either given a fair trial in a US civilian court or safely released."